A series of meetings will take place across the North East to give business leaders, residents and partner agencies the opportunity to influence ambitious plans for regional devolution.
The North East Combined Authority (neca)’s Leadership Board approved outline proposals to boost the region’s economic growth through devolved powers when it met last month.
Now residents and stakeholders are being asked for their views on the plans before the neca begins discussions with Government.
Members and officers from the neca will attend consultation meetings on the following dates:
• Thursday, 12 March – Gateshead (6pm to 8pm)
• Monday, 16 March – Newcastle (5.30pm to 7.30pm)
• Tuesday, 17 March – Durham (6.30pm to 8.30pm)
• Friday, 20 March – Sunderland (9.30am to 11.30am)
• Monday, 23 March – South Tyneside (5.30pm to 7.30pm)
• Tuesday, 24 March – North Tyneside (6pm to 8pm)
• Thursday, 26 March – Northumberland (2.30pm to 4.30pm)
Venues for the meetings have yet to be confirmed. Further details will be available at www.northeastca.gov.uk/devolution and each local authority’s website as soon as they are confirmed.
Cllr Simon Henig, Chair of the neca, said: “Our outline proposals for the devolution of powers to the region would enable us to boost the North East’s economic prosperity and ensure that important decisions about a range of issues are taken right here.
“However, it is important to ensure that any proposals we put forward to Government fully reflect the views of people in the North East, from business leaders to residents.
“This is an important opportunity to help shape the long-term future of our region so I would encourage everyone to sign up now to have their say.”
Meetings will be jointly chaired by Cllr Henig, Chair of the neca and Leader of Durham County Council, and the leader or mayor of the local authority area where each meeting is held – Cllr Mick Henry (Gateshead), Cllr Nick Forbes (Newcastle), Cllr Paul Watson (Sunderland), Cllr Iain Malcolm (South Tyneside), Mayor Norma Redfearn (North Tyneside) and Cllr Grant Davey (Northumberland).
Anyone wishing to attend one of the public meetings should register in advance by visiting www.northeastca.gov.uk/devolution