Interesting piece about Hartlepool & the Preston economic model.
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/economy/2019/01/coastal-corbynomics-how-hartlepool-chasing-preston-s-new-economic-model?fbclid=IwAR0t0GBaBj_mwfg637Rvnjav813oRXnorlAYF6R2iLns--6uPKioCtuBZ58
Goodness Me! Never thought I would see the day when I would find myself agreeing with any political party, let alone Labour or new Labour (even if they have pinched the idea from elsewhere). Spending money locally is how all successful economies get started - something that we as a country seem to have forgotten. Standing around waiting for handouts, whatever the source, is only ever a temporary fix - that's why the EEC or whatever it calls itself this week - is doomed to failure.
I do however sincerely hope that the majority of the current incumbents are long gone before any such scheme takes off. Otherwise, on past experience, the only people to benefit would be our current 'leading' CABAL.