Plans for devolution welcomed in County Durham
Last updated 2nd Feb 2022
News of a potential devolution deal for County Durham has been welcomed by council leaders.
A Government White Paper published today (Wednesday, 2 February) identifies County Durham as one of nine areas selected to take forward proposals for devolved powers.
Durham County Council will now work with the Government, as well as businesses and residents, to establish how devolution would work for the area and to ensure its ambitions for levelling up are supported.
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “We have worked extremely hard with government to set out why County Durham needs a devolution deal and how this will help us to invest in our local communities going forward.
“It is fantastic news that County Durham has been selected as one of the nine areas to be taken forward for a deal. We have clearly set out a strong and compelling argument to get to this point and we look forward to further discussions with government on how a deal will work for us.
“The last two years have been a challenge for everyone, but with more local control over economic regeneration, housing, infrastructure and resources, we can look to the future with confidence and optimism.
“Devolving powers and resources to a local level makes sense – as a large unitary council we are well-placed to maximise all of the resources available to us – and we look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders on how we can join up our services and resources as part of a devolution deal.
“I can assure everyone that we will be working extremely hard to secure the best possible devolution deal for County Durham and we will set out next steps once we have had further discussions with government.”
Cllr Richard Bell, Deputy Leader of Durham County Council, said: “This announcement is great news for County Durham. A devolution deal will provide us with the opportunity to really deliver on the levelling up agenda and to look at how we can make best use of our existing resources and any new powers that are devolved to us.
“We know that many areas of the country have shown an interest in being taken forward for further devolution discussions and the fact that we have been selected demonstrates just how well we have set out our case, and how highly regarded the local authority is to be able to make a real difference for our residents, businesses and visitors.”
The White Paper is published on the day that County Durham submits the next stage of its bid for UK City of Culture status for 2025. A successful bid would bring significant social and economic benefits to the county and wider region, with culture playing a key role in levelling up.
The council, which submitted the bid on behalf of the Culture Durham Partnership, has also this week launched its Econ-versation, offering residents and businesses the chance to shape the county’s economic strategy. Devolution is an important lever in creating an inclusive and prosperous economy.
Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University, said:
“Durham University is proud to have worked with partners across the North East of England for nearly 200 years to drive investment, innovation, job creation and development, and the adaptation of our economy for the challenges that lie ahead.
“We are actively engaged with our local communities to tackle inequalities and embrace new opportunities through our impactful research, innovation and investment to transform lives for the better.
“We are at the forefront in boosting education, employment and infrastructure in Durham and shaping sustainable economic growth in North East England.
“We welcome the Government’s focus on Levelling Up and look forward to continuing discussions, locally and nationally, on how we can contribute to this important agenda.
“We are committed to raising educational attainment in North East England and expanding the work we already do with schools, including those in the Education Investment Areas, and supporting further development of post-16 providers in the region.
“We provide training and qualifications for teachers, many of whom continue to live and work in the region. Our flagship Maths School will benefit talented students who would not otherwise have access to post-16 mathematics education, and we are a major partner in the Laidlaw Teaching and Leadership Centre at Sedgefield Community College, which will provide additional classroom space as well as a hub for training secondary school teachers.
“Our Memorandum of Understanding with Durham County Council further outlines our commitment to support the local educational environment to encourage wider participation and diversity in the attainment of key educational qualifications, thus supporting the regional economic skills demand.”