‘Councils need to create certainty’: Wakefield Council chief executive Joanne Roney

MIPIM UK 2016: Wakefield Council chief executive Joanne Roney has said business interest in the Northern Powerhouse has grown since last year but there is anxiety around the level of detail. Speaking after a panel on the Northern Powerhouse, she said: “There were a lot of businesses that wanted to hear a lot of confidence around the Northern Powerhouse so certainly the commitment and the energy, the interest in the Northern Powerhouse is probably stronger.” She added: “People want to see the detail behind it… There’s a level of anxiety around it.” Wakefield Council has set up its own housing company in joint partnership with developer WDH, to help create confidence in areas where the private sector isn’t building. She said: “I think it’s for councils to create confidence and certainty wherever we can.” • To send feedback, e-mail Louisa.Clarence-Smith@estatesgazette.com or tweet @LouisaClarence or @estatesgazette Click here for the news, views and analysis from MIPIM UK.