Successful delivery of the Northern Powerhouse will depend far more on transport infrastructure investment within the north of England, rather than on improving links to London and the South East a poll has found.

A report launched in Westminster on Monday evening by the business networking group UK Northern Powerhouse revealed that 88% of business professionals in the north said that transport investment within the region was 'very important'.

This compares to just 59% who thought that investment in transport connections to the South East were very important.

Among members of the public polled by the group 58% thought that transport investment within the north was very important, compared to just 36% who were strongly in favour of better connections to London.

The report also found that the public is sceptical as to whether the Northern Powerhouse concept will leave a lasting legacy. Only 3% of 530 adults surveyed in the north of England thought that in future the north will look back at the Northern Powerhouse and think it was worth it.

The event on Monday heard that for progress to be made in delivering the Northern Powerhouse agenda full fiscal autonomy must be extended to key northern cities.

The report launched this week is titled: 'Building the Northern Powerhouse: Next steps for transformation' and is sponsored by consultant Aecom.

Director Richard Green said: “To attract investment the Northern Powerhouse must offer a clear, balanced vision that recognises the importance of its core cities and wider trans Pennine hinterland. This will be achieved with well articulated development plans leading to long term gains.”

(Photo: Transport for Greater Manchester)