Tuesday 21 November 2023

THE Chief Executive of the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce, Dr Ian Kelly, has written to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt calling on him to use tomorrow’s Autumn Statement to turn talk into investment and act now to boost business and economic growth.

Dr Kelly said: “We are supportive of moves to relax some planning rules to boost economic growth and make it easier for businesses to get planning consent for their projects and we want to see the Freeport in the Humber accelerate its work in bringing in new investment and jobs like the Metsa Tissue plant at Goole.

“We also want to see the renewable electricity supply in the Humber develop more quickly to aid the transition to a lower carbon economy, with the Humber being one of the biggest emitters of carbon in Europe, while encouraging firms to invest in new technology and equipment is also a priority.”

Dr Kelly has joined Chamber network colleagues in calling for Mr Hunt to offer much-needed solutions to Britain’s investment problems, and use the upcoming Statement to tackle the fundamental issues inhibiting growth in the UK: overhaul the planning system, upgrade the electricity grid, and make the full expensing policy permanent.