Ben Houchen: The Conservatives are the party of towns
The image of large swathes of the north, as a post-industrial wasteland, filled with abandoned Victorian terraces, isn’t just wrong and offensive. It’s actively dangerous.
Ben Houchen: Which candidate will show leadership on free ports?
From South Carolina to Singapore, and from Dubai to Dalian, growth is supercharged by creating areas inside a country, which fall outside of its customs border.
Ben Houchen: Free Ports would allow leaving the EU to boost the most deprived regions of the UK
The new Shared Prosperity Fund, which will replace EU funding into the regions, is a great opportunity to put areas like mine back in control.
Ben Houchen: An “Amazon Tax” won’t save the high street
Shopping online will remain a popular choice. But reforming Business Rates is the best way of helping hostelries and independent retailers.
Ben Houchen: Brexit. We need Project Fearless – and it starts with freeports. Let’s kick off with one in Teesside.
Yesterday, I wrote to the Chancellor with the support of 50 of the biggest and most established businesses in the Tees Valley, to call for a pilot scheme.
Ben Houchen: Why I will not increase the Council Tax in Tees Valley
Our local Labour councils already charge an arm and a leg, and I will never add to that burden. Sometimes the best powers are the ones you don’t use.
Ben Houchen: How I will promote economic growth in Tees Valley
Brexit will provide new opportunities for the north-east to export across the world.
Ben Houchen: Say it loudly, say it proudly – the North East is winning
Why does Labour always run the region down?