Statement in response to the North East and Tees Valley Devolution Deal

In response to the Chancellor George Osborne’s announcement today of devolution deals for the North East and Tees Valley city regions, Alexandra Jones, Chief Executive of the think tank Centre for Cities said:

“These ambitious deals are a great step forward for the North East and Tees Valley, and will give local leaders more of the powers they need to improve transport and housing, boost skills, and support more businesses and jobs – all of which will make a big difference to the lives of local people.

“Crucially, the investment funds included in these deals will enable local leaders to undertake ambitious infrastructure projects, such as major transport schemes to better connect people to jobs and businesses to customers. Having a Mayor will also ensure that these regions are well placed to receive more powers and funding from the Government in the future.

“However, these deals will only go ahead if the Government’s Cities and Local Government Bill is successfully passed through Parliament in the next few months. It is vital that MPs from all parties constructively engage with the Bill, scrutinising the measures contained in it, but ultimately offering support for the overall aims of the legislation. Failure to do so would mean that the North East and Tees Valley, as well as other places across the country, will miss out on the benefits and opportunities that devolution offers.”