A BID has been submitted to create a freeport for the East of England - creating more than 13,000 jobs for the region. The Freeport East group, made up from businesses and local authorities, is calling on the Government to assign the status to Harwich and Felixstowe. Freeport status means areas will benefit from tax reliefs and simplified customs procedures in order to encourage economic activity, which the Government sees as a means of boosting global trade following Brexit. Areas have until midday today to enter their bids to be considered by the Treasury and a decision is expected in the Spring.