£7m Fund Announced to Explore 'Northern Games' Bid in John Healey's Budget

Based on reporting by BBC UK:

The BBC has learned that John Healey's initial Budget will announce a £7 million fund dedicated to exploring the potential for a bid for a "Northern Games." This allocation is intended for a comprehensive feasibility study regarding the possibility of hosting the games in Northern England.

If the endeavor is successful, the Northern Games could potentially take place in the 2040s. The last time the United Kingdom hosted the Olympics was in London in 2012. A report from the UK Trade and Investment department in 2013 suggested the 2012 Olympics increased the economy by £9.9bn, though this figure faced some skepticism.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed support for the concept of a Northern Games, stating that he believes it could allow the Olympics to be held in the North during the 2040s. Burnham told the BBC that the Games could foster a sense of excitement within local towns and communities, offering opportunities across the country from north to south.

Following an initial assessment conducted by UK Sport in May, which examined the potential costs and benefits of a bid to host the Olympics in the North, the government will now announce the next phase: a "full feasibility study" as part of next week's Budget.

This forthcoming report will delve into the specifics of how hosting the games might function. It is set to consider the necessary transport links and venues, how various cities could share the games, and the potential benefits for communities. Furthermore, the study will assess the likelihood of a successful bid alongside an examination of the associated costs. The Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government had previously estimated in 2013 that hosting the Olympics in London incurred a cost of £8.9bn.

In 2013, a report by the UK Trade and Investment, which has since been replaced by the Department for International Trade, indicated that the Olympics generated a £9.9bn economic boost through new contracts, sales, and foreign investments. However, this estimated amount was questioned by entities such as the Federation of Small Businesses and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR).

Conservative shadow sports minister Louie French commented that while hosting an Olympic Games might offer a positive uplift to the nation, the expenses of the proposals would necessitate "careful scrutiny." French suggested that the chancellor should prioritize reducing daily costs before allocating "millions in taxpayer cash on reheated announcements made by his predecessor." French also added that the new tourism tax from Labour could create a financial barrier for sports fans wishing to visit the North of England for an Olympic Games.

The feasibility study for the Northern Games will be conducted by the government, UK Sport, the Northern Mayors, and will include the British Olympic and Paralympic associations. John Healey stated that the impact of an Olympic legacy extends well beyond the summer sporting events, adding that hosting such a major event in the North would be "truly unforgettable." Healey noted that the experience of London 2012 demonstrated the UK's capability to host global events, and he is accelerating efforts to potentially bid for these prestigious games to uplift communities and boost the UK.

Both the British Olympic Association and ParalympicsGB, along with UK Sport, expressed welcome for the funding for the study. In a joint statement, they welcomed the government's ongoing support for exploring a future bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the UK during the 2040s, stating they look forward to partnering with the government to explore the exciting opportunity and its potential benefits for the nation and the global Olympic and Paralympic movements, building upon the success and legacy of London 2012.