What will the voters gain?

I write in a personal capacity to express my concern about the actions of the leadership of the three councils (North Tyneside, Newcastle, Northumberland) involved in the ‘North of Tyne proposals to accept the offer from the Conservative Government to devolve Council management, services and democracy from the other four councils (Gateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside, Durham) that make up the (NECA) North East Combined Authority.

I am advised that the sum total for the three council budgets is not more than £21million. Does anyone think that council services and wages can be paid for from a £7million share? Of course they can’t.

So what will we get as voters? More cuts in services and jobs, more inflated debt such as PFI deals and far less control over what our councils decides and do.

We will also see the numbers of elected councillors reduced and that should help focus them on representing the people who put them there.

I have campaigned for many years to improve local public transport, particularly bus services.

These are in a crisis at present with declining numbers who can rely upon them.

The only way we can improve this situation is through an integrated network that includes Metro, buses, ferry and rail, which will persuade people to reduce their car usage.

That will only happen through re-regulation.

Other cities, which have a devolved Mayor, are being allowed to introduce an element of regulation in the form of franchise contracts. But now I have learned that this deal the three leaders have already signed up to does not even include that.

So, what are we getting from this project and why haven’t we been consulted.

Many of your readers will remember the last time our councils proposed devolution for this region. It was rejected that time by the electorate but at least they were allowed to vote on the matter. Here, there isn’t a sign of any democracy or accountability eg where were any of us asked to vote whether we want a devolved council or a council run by a Mayor?

Certainly not in any recent council election.

So where is their mandate to take this decision without any consultation or engagement with the people they claim to represent?

I am even advised that these proposals have been signed by the council leaders of North Tyneside and Newcastle, without even consulting their own party.

I would ask readers to write to each of their councillors with a single question: When were they elected to sign up to this deal and break up the NECA area and how will any of it benefit voters and ratepayers in either of the three boroughs? Paul Baker

I hope the occupants of the newly-vamped ‘Joplings’ Will keep it clean and smart. That heart has lived on In those who worked there, But, sadly some have died. And though I never worked there myself, I don’t mind telling you I’ve cried. Mrs E Holmes