What is devolution?
Devolution in this instance is the transfer of powers from central government to a more localised area. Our government has committed to devolving power away from Westminster so that local people here in the North East have more control over the decisions that affect their lives.
Devolution in the North of Tyne area
The North of Tyne devolution deal covers Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside and it will create jobs, grow businesses and improve education across the area.
The North of Tyne devolution deal is a major undertaking, which will give key powers to local authorities in areas such as education, housing and economic growth. The three councils of Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside will come together to form a combined authority to exercise these devolved powers. Both of the political parties in Northumberland have publicly backed the North of Tyne devolution deal.
Thanks to a Conservative council leading the charge with a Conservative government committed to improving our region, devolution to the North of Tyne is within touching distance. If it passes through Parliament as planned at the end of this month, we’ll be able to start improving our region from the first meeting which will take place on November 8th.
From November, we will be able to use the £600 million Investment Fund to drive growth in our area. We will also be unified in one voice calling on the Government for an Education Challenge fund to improve educational outcomes. A whole range of business support will be available and eventually training packages to upskill those who need help to access the new jobs of the future. As well as this for Northumberland we are working towards specific programmes to make sure that rural areas receive the support that they need so that they are no longer left behind.
Perhaps as exciting as this, the North of Tyne area will have an elected mayor. The mayor will become a champion for our region on the world stage, and at the election next year on May 2nd you can back a better deal for our area by voting for your Conservative candidate!
Devolution to the Borderlands area
The Borderlands growth deal will also be an opportunity for councils on both sides of the Scottish border to deliver meaningful change where it’s most needed.
This week Cllr Peter Jackson met with the Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, and the Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, Jake Berry to discuss how central government can work with local authorities to make sure this deal delivers for local people.
The Borderlands package will help Northumberland by boosting trade relations with our neighbours, driving economic growth, particularly to the rural areas and increasing connectivity.
The deal itself is still being developed, with an update expected shortly.