Talking Politics column with Kate Dearden MP: Why Halifax must be at the heart of a renewed focus on the north

But for too long, our town, like many across the north, has not had the investment or opportunities it deserves.

That has begun to change over the past two years. We’ve seen new free breakfast clubs open, targeted action to tackle town centre crime, a new Youth Employment Hub, stronger rights for renters, better protections for workers and new powers to hold Yorkshire Water to account. These are important steps forward, but after years of regional inequality, there is still much more to do.

That’s why a renewed focus on the north matters.

I recently spoke to Andy Burnham about Halifax and everything our town has to offer. We talked about the Piece Hall, our businesses, our proud history and our huge potential, but also about the challenges we face and why towns like ours must be at the heart of the Government’s plans. I look forward to working together to ensure that commitment translates into real improvements.

Throughout my two years as your MP, I have taken the issues residents raise with me to Parliament, because the decisions made in Westminster should reflect the priorities of communities like ours. From securing investment to helping deliver national reforms that make a difference locally, my focus has always been on getting the best possible deal for our town.

Economic growth is vital, but it only matters if every part of the country shares in its success. For too long, towns across the north were too often left behind. Rebalancing our economy means ensuring places like Halifax are no longer expected to wait at the back of the queue.

The evidence shows why this matters. Halifax is home to one of Britain’s finest heritage destinations in the Piece Hall and has become an increasingly popular location for film and television, yet last year a report found a £450million gap in arts and culture funding between London and the North.

Our schools receive less funding than many others across the country, residents face longer waits for mental health support, and too many people still feel decisions are made about their communities rather than with them.

This is not about setting one part of the country against another. Every community deserves the investment it needs to succeed. But to tackle regional inequality, towns like Halifax must finally receive the attention they have long deserved.

That is also why giving more power to local communities is so important. I was proud to push for Halifax’s inclusion in the Pride in Place programme, which enables residents in Mixenden and neighbouring parts of Illingworth to decide how £20million is invested in their area. That is how lasting regeneration happens, by putting local people at the centre of decisions about their own future.

I will continue making Halifax’s case at the heart of government, working with ministers to deliver for our town and pushing for more where more is needed. A renewed focus on the north will only succeed if towns like Halifax are at its heart.

Because our town shouldn’t just benefit from Britain’s future. It should help shape it.