Council leaders make devolution call ahead of Spring Budget

Council Leaders have set out their expectations of government on more devolution for the North East, ahead of the Spring Budget.

The seven council leaders secured the right to agree a ‘trailblazer’ deal as part of the region’s original devolution negotiations.

Those negotiations have been ongoing between the seven leaders and the government in recent months and an announcement could be made this week.

This would see a further shift in power and influence from central government to the North East on key drivers of local growth, including regeneration and affordable housing, local transport and skills.

In a joint statement the Leaders of the councils of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland called for a package that reflects the mix of urban, rural and coastal communities they represent.

If secured the new powers are in addition to the devolved powers coming to the new North East Combined Authority in May, following the election of a mayor.

Council leaders will form the Cabinet of the new authority with the elected mayor and make joint decisions on the future of the region.

Leaders said: “When we negotiated the original deal one of our key demands was the right to negotiate a further bespoke deal that works for our region.

“Nobody in Whitehall can understand the region better than local leaders who represent their communities. Devolving more powers to us will help us to bring power closer to the communities we serve.

“We are calling for an announcement that reflects our unique mix of urban, rural and coastal communities. We are looking for more powers that will help us drive investment in our economy, deliver more affordable homes, power the cultural sector and equip people with the skills they need to succeed.

“We have laid down what we need from government to deliver on our vision to create a better way of life for people and make the North East an outstanding place to live, work visit and invest.

“The challenge is now with the government to deliver on what we need and we remain hopeful that a positive announcement will come this week.”

The North East has been the only region other than Greater Manchester and West Midlands to have been in talks for a bespoke ‘trailblazer’ deal.

The devolution deal agreed by Leaders with Government in December 2022 means a new combined authority will be formed in May this year, following an election of a mayor on May 2.

The seven council leaders are:

• Durham County Council – Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader

• Gateshead Council – Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader

• Newcastle City Council – Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader

• North Tyneside Council – Dame Norma Redfearn, Elected Mayor

• Northumberland County Council – Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader

• Sunderland City Council – Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader

• South Tyneside Council – Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader

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