THE case for the North-East to be fed a bigger slice of the government cake has long been argued by The Northern Echo.

In doing so, we are acutely aware of the danger that those backing such a call are branded - in the famous words of Margaret Thatcher - moaning minnies.

But it is a risk which has to be taken because there is ample evidence to demonstrate that the complaint is entirely justified.

When the Barnett Formula was created decades ago, it was with the aim that government grants were directed to the areas of the greatest need, and Scotland has benefited from an in-built bias ever since.

But needs change. The North-East is the area in need - genuine need.

Communities such as Spennymoor, left reeling by a pre-Christmas jobs shock unwrapped by Black & Decker, are in need - genuine need.

And while we fully accept that the North-East has to play its part in improving its own fortunes by being innovative and flexible, the need - the genuine need - has to be recognised at government level too.

Today, council leaders from across the region will travel to London to lobby Northern MPs for a fairer deal. They want the Standard Spending Assessment, which dictates how much cash is allocated to local authorities, to be reviewed so that it is based on need rather than population.

We wish them success and trust that they receive the support we expect from our Members of Parliament.

We don't expect favours but we do expect fairness - and the odds have been stacked against the North-East for far too long.

Easy take-off

THE news that budget airline easyJet is to establish a base at Newcastle Airport is not only good news for holidaymakers - it is good news for the whole region.

The North-East needs competitive airports if it is to flourish and yesterday's announcement means greater passenger choice and better value for money.

What we need now is for Teesside International Airport to be successful in its own negotiations to bring another low-cost operator to the region.

The North-East has two airports with huge potential - and both can play a significant part in helping the region to take-off.