Local leaders sign 'North of Tyne' devolution deal

Ministers and local leaders have signed the 'North of Tyne' devolution deal - announced in the Chancellor's budget on Wednesday - and say it marks the start of a new chapter in the North East.

The leaders of Newcastle, Northumbria and North Tyneside councils were joined by the Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry, and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Jones, to sign the deal - it'll bring £600 million to the North East over the next 30 years.

The deal will also see 10,000 new jobs created in the region, local control of the adult education budget, and a new 'North of Tyne' Mayor - elected in May 2019.

It's expected that in the short term, Newcastle's East Pilgrim Street will be redeveloped; passenger rail between Newcastle and Northumberland will be reintroduced; and Indigo Park in North Tyneside will be redeveloped.

Norma Redfearn, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside said:

“I am extremely proud of North Tyneside and am confident this deal will allow us to build on the strengths of our people and businesses.

“It’s vital that the North of Tyne has a strong voice as the country makes important decisions about its future. This deal gives us a seat at the table with other mayors, where we can fight for the needs of our residents.”

Leader of Northumberland County Council, Peter Jackson said:

“There are some significant issues for us to tackle over the next few years and this deal will give us the tools with which to make a real positive difference to the whole of Northumberland.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to make a step change to improve the prospect of every single person living in Northumberland.”