NORTH OF TYNE SET FOR NEW POWERS

Northern Powerhouse and our aims to boost economic growth right across the North.

“Discussions are at an advanced stage with North of Tyne and the Government is keen to conclude a deal with this area in the near future.”

The deal has the potential to bring extra money and powers from Whitehall to the North East and will see the election of a mayor – similar to that in Manchester and Liverpool.

Last year the project looked dead in the water after disagreements over funding and the uncertainty caused by the Brexit vote led to the deal being voted down by local authorities in Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham and South Tyneside.

But since then Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland have decided to plough ahead.

In its most recent joint statement, a spokesperson for the North of Tyne authorities said: “Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland are in ongoing positive discussions with Government about the devolution of powers and funding to the North East.

“These discussions are focused on achieving accelerated business growth and economic development with more and better jobs for the North East; improving people’s skills and opportunities; and enhancing the vibrant places and strong communities in the region.”

Talks are now at an advanced stage with only mere formalities to be agreed before the deal is revealed.

But the situation has been complicated as there have been three Northern Powerhouse ministers in the space of a year. In July 2016 Andrew Percy replaced James Wharton – who was replaced in June by Jake Berry. And George Osborne, the former Chancellor who came up with the Northern Powerhouse, is no longer in Parliament.

But there is a desire to get the process going in the North East as Teesside already appears to be putting devolved powers to good use.

The Tories’ last general election manifesto said: “There remains...a far greater gap between the capital and other cities in the UK than in any other major developed country. We see the opportunity to close this gap as the biggest prize in Britain today.”

Ross Smith, director of policy for the North East England Chamber of Jake Berry