Building a bridge to North East devolution
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Placing infrastructure improvements such as Sunderland’s New Wear Crossing at the heart of the devolution agenda could have significant benefits for the region, according to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East.
In its State of the Nation: Devolution report, the engineering body backs Government efforts to rebalance the economy, and the focus on infrastructure as the key driver.
It also welcomes the creation of the North East and Tees Valley Combined Authorities, and Transport for the North, a new body dedicated to improving road and rail links between northern towns and cities.
Adrian Coy, ICE Vice President and State of the Nation: Devolution Steering Group chairman, said: “The benefits of effective infrastructure in the North East are well established, it can boost economic growth, create jobs, regenerate communities, connect people and places and drive environmental sustainability.
“It provides the foundation of modern society. It is right that infrastructure investment is the driving force behind Government’s plans to rebalance the economy, and we hope to see ongoing commitment to the devolution agenda during the EU exit negotiations, so momentum is not lost.
“Combined Authorities must now take the helm and deliver these benefits locally. This will be no mean feat, but with the right frameworks, investment and skills in place they can succeed.
“To ensure decisions on spending are strategic, an over-arching regional infrastructure strategy should be developed, based on need.
“Transport for the North has provided greater focus for transport services and we should build on this success, establishing a strategy covering all networks, recognising their interdependent nature. The National Needs Assessment ICE is leading, which will feed into the National Infrastructure Commission, provides a workable model.
“We would also like to see more rounded devolution proposals. Rebalancing the economy should not only be thought of in financial terms. Enriching people’s lives is not just about increasing their income but also the quality of their living environments”
ICE also sets out some improvements it says could help authorities deliver the maximum benefits of devolution to communities.
In a 10 point plan it calls for greater access to flexible financing to supplement central Government funding.