The major sub-regions and cities of the north of England could raise more than £100m a year from a 2p supplementary business rate (SBR).

It's small beer compared with the £400m a year from the SBR that will be levied to part-pay for the Crossrail project in London. But for this month, at least, I will spare you the Great Northern Winge About Crossrail Expenditure.

Instead, I want to examine the sceptical reaction the SBR White Paper has had in the North. It seems the trust gap between town hall and boardroom is still wide.

Leeds Chamber of Commerce, which saw the city's Supertram project abandoned, has just come out against SBR. It regards it as a step too far while the financial burden on business continues to rise.

James Ramsbottom, chief executive of the NE Chamber of Commerce, says he would only support SBR if it levered in extra central government cash.

Over the Pennines, Greater Manchester Chamber is prepared to look at the detail, but in Lancashire, Downtown Preston In Business says firms are paying enough already. Its spokesman, Frank McKenna, casts doubt on the accountability arrangements for the new levy.

However, the White Paper speaks of a strong say for local businesses, an upper limit of 2p in the pound, and businesses with rateable values less than £50,000 exempt from paying.

The Government is convinced it is answering a call from town halls, and some business people, at least, to devolve decisions about local economic investment.

Government figures show that SBR could amount to £30m a year in Greater Manchester, £20m in West Yorkshire and £4m in Newcastle.

It's difficult to see councillors shying away from the scheme when it gets under way in 2010, but they will need to work hard to take a sceptical business community with them.

Jim Hancock is a freelance journalist and former political correspondent for the BBC in the North West