Watch this short video about the devolution proposals and the consultation.
People in the North East are being asked for their views on the devolution proposals which the leaders of Newcastle, Northumberland, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland have agreed in principle with the UK Government. This is an important development which will affect everyone in the region and we are sharing this information, so that as many people as possible can have their say. In Newcastle, the consultation is being run by Let’s Talk Newcastle, Newcastle City Council.
There is information about the proposals below. You can respond to the online consultation or attend consultation events in Newcastle to find out more. If you need any reasonable adjustments to help you take part in this consultation, including providing this information in another language or format, please contact Let’s Talk Newcastle at: letstalk@newcastle.gov.uk or call them on: 0191 277 3560. They will also provide printed copies of the survey in libraries and on request (they can be returned to FREEPOST Letstalk).
Online consultation
You can take part by completing a short form: Click here to give your views on North East Devolution in 2023
Consultation events in Newcastle
There are a series of drop-in events in March that are open to any member of the public to attend to find out more about the proposals:
- 5-6pm on Tuesday 7th March at Walker Library (map: Walker Library)
- 12-1pm on Thursday 9th March at Outer West Library (map: Outer West Library)
- 2pm-3.30pm on Monday 13th March at Newcastle City Library (travel and access information)
Privacy
You cannot be identified from your answers. Let’s Talk Newcastle will keep them private and not use them for any purpose other than finding out more about what people think about the plans for devolution in the North East. They will keep them securely, and they will be used only by the people running the consultation to find out what people think about these proposals. You can find out more about how they handle data here: Privacy Policy. If you have questions please email them at: letstalk@newcastle.gov.uk
What happens next
A summary of the responses will be considered by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities who will have regard to the views of the public and other stakeholders when deciding whether to make the required legislation to put the changes into effect. Newcastle City Council will keep people informed about what is happening with the devolution deal through their website: Newcastle City Council, and in their residents’ magazine, Citylife.
North East Devolution proposals
The leaders of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland councils have agreed in principle to a devolution deal which the Government has confirmed it is ‘minded to’ approve. A devolution deal for the region means unlocking £4.2 billion of investment, over 30 years, and seeing additional powers transferred from Whitehall to local people with better knowledge and experience of our communities. It is expected to create 24,000 extra jobs, create 70,000 courses to give people the skills to get good jobs and leverage £5.0 billion of private sector investment.
This deal represents a significant opportunity to make a difference to people who live and work in the North East, and could have a hugely positive impact on the big issues that matter to you. Whether that is new and better paid jobs, more affordable housing or placing ourselves at the forefront of Net Zero revolution, the chance of more decision-making powers and millions of pounds in funding will have a major impact on the North East.
The new North East Mayoral Combined Authority, which would cover an area which is home to around 2 million people, will have the power to make decisions on areas such as transport, skills, housing, finance and economic development.
The deal includes:
- An investment fund of £1.4bn, or £48m a year, to support inclusive economic growth and support our regeneration priorities
- An indicative budget of around £1.8bn, or £60m a year, for adult education and skills – to meet local skills priorities and improve opportunities for residents
- A £900m package of investment to transform our transport system, with £563m from the City Regional Sustainable Transport Fund, on top of funding already announced for our buses and metro system
- £69m of investment in housing and regeneration, unlocking sites to bring forward new housing and commercial development
Local leaders have worked together to negotiate an offer which matches their ambition to make a difference for residents, communities and the economy.
What is the consultation about and what are you being asked to do?
The consultation is a chance for you to understand more about the proposals of how the proposed devolution deal from government could be implemented in the region, and have your say. The local authorities are asking for your views about the details of the proposed scheme – the document that sets out how devolution would be implemented.
This devolution deal is subject to adopting the model of a directly elected mayor over the whole of the Combined Area and replacing the two combined authorities which currently exist in that area, namely the North East Combined Authority (NECA) and North of Tyne Mayoral Combined Authority (NTCA), with a single new North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA).
The councils involved (County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland) have published a scheme under the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. Currently, Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council and Northumberland County Council are members of NTCA while Durham County Council, Gateshead Council, South Tyneside Council and Sunderland City Council are members of NECA.
Their published scheme sets out proposals for changing the way in which the councils work together on these matters, and for devolving new powers to the area of the seven councils. There is no change to way the seven local authorities operate independently, and they will still be responsible for delivering the services they do currently.
The new combined authority would be led by a Mayor elected by residents across the area, and together with one representative from each of the seven constituent councils will form a Cabinet which will make decisions for the new combined authority. The first step to implement the proposals is to seek your views on them through this public consultation which runs from 26 January to 26 March 2023.