Leading northern politicians have met as part of a series of discussions on issues including transport, the economy and devolution.
The chairs of four combined authorities – covering Merseyside, the North East, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire – met in Leeds yesterday (June 1) to look at how they can work together in order to promote economic growth, improved transport and more effective decision-making through devolved powers.
Together the four areas cover a population of approximately seven million people and are a key part of the proposed ‘northern powerhouse’.
Cllr Simon Henig, chair of the North East Combined Authority (neca) said: “It is vitally important that combined authorities across the North work together as we seek to rebalance the national economy.
“Issues discussed yesterday included the economy, high speed rail and the powers likely to be on offer as part of devolution.
“We also agreed to meet on a regular basis given the importance of combined authorities in the emerging political governance within England.”