AN MEP has lambasted a new devolution plan for the North-East as a "political hotchpotch".

Ukip MEP Jonathan Arnott was reacting to news that three North-East councils are believed to be going it alone on a devolution deal.

The Government had declared a devolution deal was off the table when the proposal involving all seven local authorities collapsed earlier this month.

But reports have emerged that Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland – the three areas that voted for a devolution deal – have got together. And now negotiations are taking place with the Government over forming their own separate deal.

Mr Arnott said: “This is just bizarre.

“It would be crazy to have Newcastle and Gateshead having separate arrangements and we would end up with a political hotchpotch in the region and no actual North-East plan.

“Nobody ever planned a three-council mini-devolution scheme and I'm concerned that this will be pushed through for political reasons rather than based on any evidence to suggest it could work.

“There seems to be no overall strategy and some people would lose out in the inevitable funding postcode lottery.”

Earlier this month communities secretary Sajid Javid confirmed that a Commons debate paving the way for the election of a North-East mayor had been cancelled and the deal withdrawn.

His announcement followed a meeting at which the seven councils which make up the North East Combined Authority (Neca) voted 4-3 against signing up to the devolution deal.

The proposed deal for the region would have given the region devolved powers over transport, regeneration, planning and skills as well as £30million extra funding.

Cllr Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council and chair of the Neca, said he was unaware of detail of any talks.

He said: “Any deal they might do would have to take cognisance of the fact they are in a legal entity – the North East Combined Authority – and it would have to be done through proper procedures.

“We are established by an act of parliament we would need to ensure everyone was done according to the law and our status."

Newcastle and North Tyneside councils have declined to comment, while no-one was available to comment at Northumberland County Council.