North East Devolution Consultation
Consultation details
Introduction
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Easy read FAQ's and surveys can be found at the bottom of the page.
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 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 this consultation about?
The consultation is a chance for you to understand proposals of how the proposed devolution deal from government could be implemented in the region and have your say.
We’ll be 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 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.
Our 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.
This new combined authority will 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 our proposals is to seek your views on them through this public consultation which runs from 26 January 2023 to 31 March 2023.
There are documents available on this page for reference if you would like more detail:
- A Governance Review which considers how functions to promote economic growth and improve transport are managed in the region, concluding that the creation of a new authority would deliver better outcomes
- The scheme sets out proposals to change the governance arrangements for the area of the seven councils
- The deal document agreed in principle with government
How your view can play a part
This public consultation is your chance to have a say on our proposals. 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.
If you need us to do anything differently (reasonable adjustments) to help you take part in this consultation, including providing this information in another language or format, please contact 0191 643 2828 or email engagement@northtyneside.gov.uk
Privacy Notice
The seven North East local authorities, consisting of North Tyneside, Newcastle, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham have joined together in order for residents to have their say about Devolution
Residents will be able to record their views of devolution online or by submitting a paper copy which can be collected from various locations throughout the region.
What Information will be collected?
The seven Local Authorities and would like to collect information on your thoughts on the proposed changes to the way councils work together in the North East.
We would also like to know some equality and diversity information about you, to help us identify the features of people within the local population (often referred to as demographic breakdown).
This information is optional and you do not have to provide this information if you do not wish to do so. Any information you do give will be used to see if there are any differences in views for different groups of people, and to ensure we are consulting with diverse populations within our communities.
We will follow our Data Protection guidelines to always keep your information secure and confidential.
Who will share my information?
North Tyneside Council have been asked to collate the information and produce reports for use by the seven Local Authorities. The collated information will not be shared with any other third parties.
Access to information
Access to the information will only be given to staff on a need to know basis and in accordance with data protection legislation. All evaluation reports will be fully anonymized, to provide compliance with the Equality Act.
How long will the data be kept?
Information will be kept for seven years from collection. The Authorities only share your personal information for the reasons set out above, unless the law requires or permits us to share it for another reason, or for example, this is necessary to protect you or others from harm.
Your personal information will be handled securely, strictly on a need to know basis only by those specifically authorised to do so and will not be kept longer than is necessary.
Where to find more information
If you would like to know more about how we use your information, please contact the Data Protection Officer at your Local Authority:
Data Protection Officer
North Tyneside Council
Silverlink North
Cobalt Business Park
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE27 0BY
Tel: 0191 643 2333
For further guidance about data protection rights, see https://ico.org.uk or contact information.governance@northtyneside.gov.uk
