A SUCCESSFUL devolution bid for the Tees Valley could “kick start” investment in the area and transform its economy.

That’s according to Sue Jeffrey, leader of Redcar Borough Council and chairwoman of the shadow Tees Valley Combined Authority.

The authority will come into existence next year and consists of the five local authority leaders working with the Local Enterprise Partnership in the Tees Valley.

North East Combined Authority lodges proposals with Government for devolution deal

Combined authorities were invited to submit devolution deals to the Government as part of a move to transfer powers from Whitehall to the regions – the deadline being Friday (September 4).

Coun Jeffrey said: “Our deal is about transforming the economy and a focus on the delivery of rapid and sustainable growth.

“One of the first things that we would like to see is the ability to establish a transformational investment fund, including new money for the Tees Valley to kickstart investment and stimulate growth.

“We are looking for certainty around devolved funding and a ten year deal with Government in terms of what we are going to get.

“This would be used to improve education, employment skills, build more homes and bring previously developed land back into use.”

Coun Jeffrey said national policy determining how money should be spent did not always respond to the needs of the area and a combined authority would be able to use available funding more effectively and flexibly.

“Inevitably there will be a performance framework alongside whatever money we do get that will expect us to deliver certain targets,” she said.

“At the end of the day whether or not this deal gets agreed is something that is up to negotiation over the coming months.

“But if the Government is serious about its ambition for a Northern Powerhouse it needs to invest in the Tees Valley and I would hope this deal would bring with it some new money.”

The councillor claimed the two separate devolution bids that have gone in – on behalf of the Tees Valley and the one being promoted further North by the North-East Combined Authority – offered “two bites at the cherry and two seats at the table” and strengthened the hand of the North-East as a whole.

She acknowledged that the public had “no appetite for additional bureaucracy”, but it was hoped with any new governance arrangements – likely to include a new elected mayor – the benefits would outweigh the disadvantages.