BOLTON MP Chris Green has welcomed the news that the Treasury is considering rewriting rules governing public spending to benefit areas in the Midlands and North of England.

The changes would make it easier for cash to be allocated to projects outside of London and the South East helping boost investment in infrastructure, business development projects and schemes like free ports.

Current rules require government to allocate cash to projects that promise the biggest economic benefits which tend to have most impact in areas with more people and businesses.

But under the new plans government investment decisions would be made with a focus on reducing inequality between northern and southern England, rather than promoting overall economic growth across the country.

It will affect decisions made about projects ranging from rail improvements to investment in scientific research.

Mr Green, Conservative MP for Bolton West, said: "This is good news.

"I have raised this with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Treasury ministers.

"The current rules seem to benefit London and the South East which seems unfair.

"I am delighted that Mr Johnson is taking action on this so the North of England gets the government investment it needs."