Chamber supports £4.2bn Devolution deal as route to “greater power” for North East

The North East England Chamber of Commerce has written to local authorities and the combined authority to call for a “strong business voice” at the heart of the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA).

The letter supports the consultation on the devolution deal for the North East and, through in depth engagement, identifies the priorities, needs and concerns of the region’s businesses. In the submission, John McCabe, Chamber chief executive, noted that the business community of the North East has “spoken with one voice” in support of this new settlement.

John commented: “Our members are clear that broader, deeper devolution in the North will benefit the whole of the region, through stronger institutions, greater collaboration, and more powers to drive stronger, fairer growth. On behalf of our membership, we are pleased to provide these comments in support of that shared goal.”

The expanded devolution settlement, covering the seven local authorities across Northumberland, County Durham and Tyne and Wear, offers a potential £4.2bn of investment, and is expected to create 17,500 extra jobs and leverage £3.7bn of private sector investment.

The Chamber’s devolution submission recognises the devolution deal as a strong start on the journey to ensuring that more decisions which impact the North East are made by local people who understand the region best. Strengthening local leadership will allow for more flexible and innovative responses to local needs.

Recommendations from the Chamber for the new combined authority include a call for a strong business voice at the heart of new governance arrangements and a prioritisation of investment in transport and skills across the seven local authority (LA7) areas.

Chamber members recognise the LA7 as a coherent economic area. The creation of a combined authority from Northumberland to County Durham will enable more collaborative working across the region. Decisions must be made that benefit the North East in its entirety and reflect the unique characteristics of the region’s towns, cities, coastal and rural areas.

John added: “The devolution deal provides the opportunity for the North East to have control over the foundations of future growth, and businesses are committed to playing their role in driving this growth.

“Collaboration and communication with businesses and local people will enable the combined authority to understand the needs of communities, and Chamber members look forward to engaging with the new authority.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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