A series of public debates gets underway this week giving people the chance to have their say on proposals for devolution in the North East.
The first event will be held in Gateshead on Thursday (12 March) and the North East Combined Authority is inviting residents and business people to go along and get involved.
Cllr Simon Henig, chair of neca, said: “We want to hear from people about what they think are the priorities for our area.
“The feedback we get will help to shape neca’s devolution proposals regarding major issues which affect us all – such as transport, roads, employment, training and housing investment.
“These events are designed to enable people to tell us their priorities and we would encourage anyone with an interest to come along and join the debate.”
The events will focus on a range of issues which could be part of regional devolution and will look at what changes and benefits could be gained.
They will be held in each of the seven council areas which form the combined authority.
The full list of meetings is as follows:
• Thursday 12 March – Gateshead (6pm – 8pm)
• Monday 16 March – Newcastle (5.30pm – 7.30pm)
• Tuesday 17 March – Durham (6.30pm – 8.30pm)
• Friday 20 March – Sunderland (9.30am – 11.30am)
• Monday 23 March – South Tyneside (5.30pm – 7.30pm)
• Tuesday 24 March – North Tyneside ( 6pm – 8pm)
• Thursday 26 March – Northumberland (2.30pm – 4.30pm)
Further details about the devolution events are available at www.northeastca.gov.uk/devolution
Anyone wishing to attend one of the events should register in advance by emailing necadevolution@newcastle.gov.uk stating which event they would like to go along to.
People can also follow news about the events on Twitter using the hashtag #NEDevolution