North of the Tyne devolution details released

Ministers have revealed details of the North of Tyne devolution deal which will see the region benefit from £600 million of new government investment to spend on local priorities to boost growth.

Treasury Minister Andrew Jones, Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry and local leaders reiterated the announcement from Philip Hammond’s Budget announcement, with the area set to vote for a new directly-elected mayor who will have exciting new powers in housing, planning and skills.

The deal will generate huge rewards for the area, expected to boost the local economy by £1.1 billion, create 10,000 new jobs and attract £2.1 billion in private investment. The North of Tyne area will also get full control over the adult education budget, an Inclusive Growth Board to coordinate skills and employment and collaboration with government to boost trade and investment, digital infrastructure and rural growth across the area.

Jones said: “This government is delivering for the North East. We have been clear in our commitment to ensure that opportunity is shared across the country as we create an economy fit for the future. Today represents a big step in achieving this – giving the people of the North of the Tyne a bigger voice and greater power over their future.

“This historic deal, including £600 million of government investment is yet another example of how we are backing the North. It will bolster the local economy in the North of Tyne and generate thousands of new jobs. This deal comes on top of a Budget that delivers brand new trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro, freezes fuel duty for the eighth year running and supports business with a cut in business rates.”