DAVID Cameron has made it clear that the balance of the North-East economy has to change because it is too reliant on the public sector.

We understand why that imbalance has to be addressed. We also understand that the North-East does not have a divine right to Government handouts.

The region has to help itself. It has to show initiative and invention to justify the support of the Government.

Today’s front page is an optimistic view of the region’s prospects as bids are made for Government support via the Regional Growth Fund.

Tees Valley Unlimited has submitted 20 bids, asking for £80m for a host of schemes with the potential to create 11,000 private sector jobs.

The bids are based on existing private companies willing to invest more than £820m within the next three years.

That shows real faith in the Tees Valley and demonstrates that the private sector is willing to play its full part in rebalancing our economy.

The Tees Valley is not begging for Government handouts without putting down firm foundations for private sector sustainability.

We do not want to have to rely on the public sector – we want to establish a partnership between the public and private sectors that gives this part of the world a chance to fulfill its undoubted potential.

We know all 20 bids will not be successful, but we hope the Government is encouraged enough by what it sees to give us a fighting chance.