Will the new Treasury North base be in the North East?
Report by Julia Barthram
After much speculation, Darlington appears to be the favourite location for a new Treasury North campus of Government.
It's expected the location of the new economic hub will be announced in tomorrow's Budget. It follows Chancellor Rishi Sunak's promise, in his 2020 Budget, to relocate 22,000 civil servants out of London and establish an Economic Campus in the North of England.
Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Darlington had all been in the running as location for the new base but it's believed a short list now includes Newcastle, Darlington, Leeds and Bradford. Darlington is rumoured to be Rishi Sunak's preferred choice.
It's expected it will take up to five years to establish Treasury North. It will initially be a base for 750 officials from the Treasury and other ministries, including business and trade departments.
Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, has campaigned hard for the campus to come to the Tees Valley and is backing the Darlington bid.
North of Tyne Mayor, Jamie Driscoll, believes the move will benefit the entire region.
The idea of moving government officials out of London is part of the Government's pledge to level up the country and revive towns and cities.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce his Budget at 12:30pm on Wednesday 3 March 2021.