Newcastle Labour is continuing to make the case for greater powers and investment to be transferred from Whitehall to Newcastle and the wider North East.
Decisions about transport, employment, skills and economic investment should be made closer to the communities affected by them. Local leaders understand the strengths of our economy and the barriers residents face, but too many important decisions remain concentrated in London.
Greater devolution would allow councils and regional partners to coordinate transport more effectively, connect skills provision with employment opportunities and invest in projects capable of creating sustainable growth.
Our case builds on the experience of the 2012 City Deal, which demonstrated what Newcastle and Gateshead can achieve when local leaders are given additional powers and greater control over investment.
Newcastle’s Labour-led council is already using its land, planning responsibilities and partnerships to bring development forward. However, local ambition must be matched by a fair transfer of funding and genuine decision-making power.
Devolution cannot simply mean passing responsibility to the North East without providing the resources needed to deliver. Any agreement must give local communities a meaningful voice and strengthen democratic accountability.
For residents, success will be measured through better transport, good employment, apprenticeships and stronger public services. New powers must improve everyday life in communities across Newcastle rather than simply creating another tier of administration.
We will continue working with neighbouring authorities, trade unions, businesses, universities and community organisations to secure the best possible future for the region.
The North East has the talent, institutions and industrial strengths required to prosper. With the right powers and investment, we can build an economy that creates opportunities for people throughout Newcastle.
Leader of Newcastle Labour, Cllr Nick Forbes said:
“The people of Newcastle and the North East should have a much greater say over the decisions that shape our economy. We are pressing for genuine powers and fair investment so that we can improve transport, develop skills and create good jobs for local residents.”