LEADERS of the North-East’s councils said they had held “very positive” talks with the government about plans for greater devolution to the region.

Members of the North East Combined Authority – which represents seven of the region’s councils – have held talks with newly-installed Communities Secretary Greg Clark MP.

Following the meeting, the Authority said it was now looking forward to detailed discussions with Westminster as to how a devolution deal for the North East would look.

Among what it described as “ambitious devolution plans”, the authority said it was proposing fiscal devolution, investment in the area’s workforce, a regional body to oversee transport and reform of public services.

It said it wanted to capitalise on the area’s existing strengths – in automotive and advanced manufacturing, financial services, life sciences, offshore engineering and the creative industries – and in particular to push export-led growth.

Cllr Simon Henig, chair of the North East Combined Authority and leader of Durham County Council, said: “Following a very positive meeting with the Secretary of State we are looking forward to developing an ambitious devolution deal for our area.

“This is an exciting, once-in-a-generation opportunity for the North East to take control of its own destiny and to lead on key decision making that will not only boost our economic fortunes but will also improve the lives of people living, working and studying here.

“As part of our plans for growth we intend to focus sharply on opportunities to increase trade, innovation and investment”.

He added: “In particular we are keen to promote export opportunities and secure long-term investment that will build confidence and stability in our local economy.

“In order to achieve our ambitions it is essential that our plans are underpinned by an ambitious and effective devolution deal.”

Central Government has been pushing for the introduction of a powerful mayor as part of any devolution settlement to provide what Mr Clark referred to as “clear leadership”.

Although the North East Combined Authority has previously said it was opposed to the imposition of a regionwide mayor, today it said that the authority “will also consider appropriate models of governance” as part of detailed discussions on a devolution deal.