Ahead of his inaugural Budget, Chancellor John Healey has announced plans to launch a £150 million fund specifically targeted at supporting businesses in the north of the UK. The initiative is part of a broader government strategy intended to decentralize economic activity and promote growth more evenly across the country.

While specific details regarding the application process and the exact criteria for businesses to receive funding have not yet been fully disclosed, the move signals a focus on regional economic development. The government frames this as a commitment to addressing long-standing regional disparities. Critics and opposition members have yet to weigh in on the effectiveness of the fund, but the announcement highlights the administration's intent to prioritize regional investment as a pillar of their economic policy. The Chancellor is expected to provide further clarity on how this fund fits into the wider fiscal strategy during the upcoming Budget presentation.