Euro MP Stephen Hughes, has called on the UK government to start funding programmes under the EU’s new budget as soon as possible.
Stephen said: “We’re already into the new EU funding period and the government has made little progress in starting European programmes that will bring jobs and growth to the North East, helping families struggling from the cost of living crisis.
“The government needs to ensure local and regional administrations are fully involved during the preparation stages and more flexibility is given for regions, like the North East, to establish their own priorities.
The North East region will receive £616m in structural funding over the next seven years from the European Union to support local businesses, research and jobs.”