Growth is only possible with the right transport and digital connectivity
4 min read
We must meet the challenges by investing in infrastructure, writes Ben Houchen, mayor of the Tees Valley
In May 2017 I became one of the UK’s first metro mayors outside London. Six of us were elected in combined authorities across England and we are nearing the end of our first term in office. These being entirely new positions, there was no precedent for our role. While MPs and councillors know what they are signing up for, we had an entirely blank canvas.
Each of us had our own political priorities, based on the needs of our regions and the powers contained in each devolution deal. The Tees Valley devolution deal meant my powers were largely that of an economic development body, and that growing the economy and creating jobs would be my primary focus.
My manifesto had these things at its very core. Front and centre was my plan to save Teesside International Airport, previously named Durham Tees Valley, from permanent closure. This airport means a huge amount to local people, but it is also a hugely important economic link to the rest of the world.
It was destined to be closed by its private owners but, after a year of negotiations, we took formal control of the airport in early 2019, and are working to restore its fortunes.
This doesn’t just secure the jobs of the airport staff and give local people better travel options, it sets out the Tees Valley’s ambition to play a leading role in the global Britain of the 21st century.
Infrastructure and economic development go hand in hand; indeed growth is only possible with the right transport and digital connectivity. That’s why I have prioritised a number of major road and rail projects, as well as full-fibre 5G capability and enhanced rural broadband.
As part of our transport investment programme we are also rolling out a demand-responsive transport trial, to give people in the less urban parts of the Tees Valley access to jobs and services by summoning a bus using an app or over the phone. Ultimately, people should be able to expect the same level of convenience from public transport that they get from their bank or even their local takeaway.
I have used my position as mayor to campaign for free ports in the UK, both to benefit the Tees Valley in particular and to ensure the whole country can take advantage of post-Brexit trade and investment opportunities.
Building on the work of Rishi Sunak MP, whose Richmond constituency borders my region, I have developed a free ports policy proposal which could see manufacturing jobs return to the UK, especially in the areas most in need of economic development and skilled jobs.
Boris Johnson made clear during his leadership campaign that he would support free ports, and the idea has had a huge amount of support from international trade secretary Liz Truss MP. The Department for International Trade and other departments are now working towards the creation of a number of free ports throughout the country.
Perhaps one area all the metro mayors would agree on is that we are elected to raise the profile of our respective region. This isn’t something we agreed in our devolution deals, it’s just something that needs to be done. High-profile projects, like transforming our airport and creating a free port, would have immediate economic benefits, but their ability to put the Tees Valley on the map is perhaps just as important.
The role of mayors as trade ambassadors, meeting businesses and helping to secure investment, should not be overlooked. I have visited Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong to make sure companies there know what Teesside has to offer, and I know other mayors have made similar trips. In my case, this resulted in a significant investment in the biologics sector.
Looking forward, my priorities will continue to be more and better jobs, economic growth, and making sure as many people as possible can share in these.
Ben Houchen is Conservative mayor of the Tees Valley
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