A £7m fund aimed at assessing the feasibility of hosting the Olympics in northern England will be announced in John Healey's first Budget on Wednesday. This funding is intended for a comprehensive study to evaluate the potential bid for a "Northern Games" that could take place in the 2040s.

The last Olympics held in the UK was in London 2012, which, according to a UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) report, provided a £9.9bn boost to the economy, despite some skepticism about the figure.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Few things bring a country together quite like the Olympics. I want people to feel that sense of excitement again." He emphasized the potential for the games to unlock opportunities across towns and cities nationwide.

In May, the government tasked UK Sport with conducting an initial assessment regarding the costs and benefits of a northern Olympic bid, a concept supported by various Northern Mayors and former Olympians like Dame Laura Kenny and Dame Sarah Storey.

The forthcoming Budget will detail the next steps, including a "full feasibility study" to explore:

• Potential venues and transport links
• City collaboration for hosting
• Community benefits
• Cost estimates and bid success probabilities

Healey remarked, "Olympic legacy lasts way beyond the celebration of sport... The North hosting such an event would be unforgettable." The funding announcement has been positively received by the British Olympic Association, ParalympicsGB, and UK Sport, who look forward to exploring this opportunity further.