North gets think tank

The think tank will be based in Newcastle

The north is to get a think tank aimed at addressing issues specific to people in the region.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is to base an office at the International Centre for Life in Newcastle.

IPPR North said the region was chosen because of the enormous challenges it currently faces, in particular the north-south divide and widespread problems of deprivation and social exclusion.

IPPR Acting Director Nick Pearce said: "IPPR is the first think-tank to open an office in the north of England, and we believe there is a real thirst for more policy debate in the north.

Building networks

"People who are interested in broad political themes, or the decisions which affect their community, just don't have the same opportunities for debate and dialogue which exist in London."

The institute also hopes to play a major role in examining how people in the region can get more involved in the decisions that affect their lives.

The company says it intends to build networks throughout the region in urban, rural and coalfield communities rather than focusing on the existing political elites.

Mr Pearce said: "We will also be able to exploit IPPR's strong links in Westminster and Whitehall and play a wider role, bringing together government, politicians, public bodies, unions, and the voluntary and private sectors."