A £7 million fund to investigate the possibility of bringing the Olympic Games to northern England will be announced in Chancellor John Healey's upcoming Budget. The allocation is earmarked for a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the viability of a bid for a "Northern Games," potentially hosted in the 2040s.

The initiative has garnered support from prominent figures, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who stated that the Olympics have a unique ability to unite a country. Burnham expressed a desire for people to experience this excitement within their own communities rather than solely as spectators. He believes a "Northern Games" could unlock widespread opportunities across towns and cities, fostering national pride.

This latest development follows an initial assessment requested by the government in May, tasking UK Sport with examining the potential costs and benefits of a northern-based Olympic bid. The concept was initially proposed by Northern Mayors and has received backing from former Olympians such as Dame Laura Kenny and Dame Sarah Storey.

The forthcoming feasibility study will delve into crucial aspects of hosting such an event. It will scrutinize operational details, including the types of venues and transport infrastructure required, potential multi-city hosting arrangements, and strategies for community benefit. A significant focus will be placed on cost assessment and evaluating the likelihood of a successful bid.

The UK last hosted the Olympic Games in London in 2012. A report from the UK Trade and Investment department in 2013 estimated that event generated a £9.9 billion boost to the economy, though this figure faced some skepticism. The Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government at the time reported the London hosting cost at £8.9 billion.

While the prospect of hosting the Games is seen by many as a potential positive for the country, concerns about the substantial costs have been raised. Conservative shadow sports minister Louie French emphasized the need for careful scrutiny of any proposals, suggesting that the Chancellor should prioritize addressing everyday living costs before committing taxpayer money to initiatives previously considered by predecessors.

French also pointed out the perceived irony of a potential "tourism tax" potentially deterring sports fans from visiting the North of England for an Olympic event. The feasibility study is set to be a collaborative effort involving government bodies, UK Sport, the Northern Mayors, and the British Olympic and Paralympic Association.

Questions remain regarding the specific cities that might form part of a bid, the precise timeline for the study's completion, and the long-term economic and social impact projections. The government's commitment to exploring this ambitious project signals a significant step in assessing the feasibility of a future Olympic spectacle in the North of England.