Details of a proposed mayoral devolution deal for the North East of England have been released.
Under the proposals, powers covering skills, transport and housing will be devolved, with the region due to receive funding worth £1.4bn over the next 30 years.
The new North East mayoral combined authority would cover Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham.
It would have control of a dedicated adult education budget and have a ‘greater say’ over the local skills improvement plan.
Some £0.5bn would be devolved to upgrade public transport through a new city region settlement along with powers to introduce bus franchising.
The Mayor would also control £17.4m to support housebuilding on brownfield land and a £20m regeneration fund.
Elections for a new mayor would be held in 2024, with a new North East mayoral combined authority (MCA) replacing the existing North of Tyne MCA and North East CA.
Local leaders and mayors said in a joint statement it was ‘a significant step towards securing important decision-making powers and investment for our region’.
The statement added: ‘This is an important milestone in our journey.’
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove said: ‘I’m proud to have agreed a historic new devolution deal with the North East that gives local leaders more power, more money and an even greater say on how their areas are run.
‘A new Mayor will ensure local priorities in the North East are at the heart of decision-making while our billion-pound funding boost will provide the financial certainty needed to level up the area right now and for years to come.’
This article was originally published by The MJ (£).
