A series of consultation events that will enable people to join the devolution discussion are being held in the North East.

On Friday 23 October, the North East Combined Authority (neca) and the Government signed a proposed agreement to devolve significant powers, funding and responsibilities from central government to the region.

The agreement will change the way in which decisions are made about transport, investment, employment and skills, business support, housing and strategic planning.

It also paves the way for further devolution over time and for the regional-led reform of public services including health and social care.

The North East Combined Authority and a new elected mayor – to be elected for the first time in 2017 – will take control of the new devolved powers.

Final agreement is conditional on a number of factors, including further public consultation, and a number of events are being held across the neca area over the coming weeks.

Cllr Simon Henig, chair of the North East Combined Authority, said: “It is important that we get the views of residents, the business community, trade unions and the voluntary and community sector as we move forward with devolution.

“The business sector in particular has a crucial part to play in helping to deliver our ambitions for economic growth and for more and better jobs.

“I would encourage people to come along to our consultation events to find out more about what devolution could mean for our area and to discuss progress on key issues.”

The first consultation events will be as follows:

• Thursday 5 November, 3.30pm – 5.30pm. South Tyneside.

• Monday 9 November, 11am – 1pm. Gateshead.

• Monday 9 November, 6pm – 8pm. Durham.

Further details of individual venues and times will follow along with information on how to register to attend. This detail is also available at www.northeastca.gov.uk/devolution

People can also visit the website to read the proposed devolution agreement for the North East.

Anyone who is not able to attend one of the events can give their views on the proposed devolution agreement by emailing necadevolution@newcastle.gov.uk