To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any ongoing work between her Department and local councils to support the development and implementation of productivity strategies, particularly in geographic lower-performing areas.

My officials continue to work alongside local councils on the establishment of Local Economic Partnerships as outlined in the Sub-regional Economic Plan. Supported by a £45m Regional Balance Fund, these will focus on identifying and developing the economic priorities of each area with one aim being to improve productivity.

My Department is also responsible for £800 million of City and Growth Deal funding across over 40 projects throughout the North which have been identified and prioritised by councils. These will contribute to increasing productivity particularly through investment in the innovation centres which will provide world-class spaces to innovate and boost productivity within key sectors.