Title

WHITEHALL

BUDGET 2021: Leeds named as site of new infrastructure bank

The new national infrastructure bank will be based in Leeds, chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed alongside other announcements badged under the Government’s levelling up agenda.

The new national infrastructure bank will be based in Leeds, chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed alongside other announcements badged under the Government's levelling up agenda.

Announced in today's Budget, the new bank will provide financing support to private sector and local authority infrastructure projects across the UK to help meet government objectives on climate change and regional economic growth.

The Treasury said the bank would benefit from Leeds' position as an 'established financial hub with excellent transport links across the UK'.

In addition, a new Treasury campus in northern England will be located in Darlington, County Durham.

Mr Sunak also confirmed more than £1bn from the Towns Fund for a further 45 deals across England.

Officials said: ‘This will help to level up regional towns, giving them the tools to design and implement a growth strategy for their area.'

In addition, ministers will launch a new National Infrastructure Commission study on towns and regeneration, which will 'consider how to maximise the benefits of infrastructure policy and investment for towns in England'.

WHITEHALL

Ensuring Wigan has a big role to play in a digital future

By Cllr Nazia Rehman | 24 March 2026

Wigan is harnessing the regenerative power of AI with positive implications for the local economy, says Cllr Nazia Rehman.

WHITEHALL

Maximising the power of partnership and investment in the East Midlands

By Ann McGauran | 24 March 2026

A year into her role as the first permanent chief of EMCCA, Amy Harhoff is eying the prize of a single funding settlement. Ann McGauran reports.

WHITEHALL

The overnight visitor levy could be a gamechanger for growing tourism in London

By Cllr Claire Holland | 24 March 2026

Claire Holland says the overnight visitor levy must benefit London’s local services and help drive growth, and individual boroughs should keep at least half ...

WHITEHALL

A rocket booster has been fired under the tax devo debate

By David Phillips | 23 March 2026

Letting combined authorities benefit from a share of income tax revenue growth could encourage a bigger focus on skills and might be a stepping stone to part...

Popular articles by Chris Ames