COUNCILS in the Tees Valley have submitted their bid for devolution and said a partnership with the Government can unlock the area’s “great potential” and deliver a compelling future for its residents and businesses.

The five councils’ bid, in conjunction with the Local Enterprise Partnership, Tees Valley Unlimited, called for greater powers relating to transport, education, skills and employment, economic growth and business investment.

The bid document borrowed from the Government’s ‘Northern Powerhouse’ label and is entitled the Tees Valley Powerhouse Plan.

Included in it is a call for a ten year settlement and a single placed-based budget for the Tees Valley.

Plans are also outlined for a number of significant large-scale long term projects including the building of a new Tees crossing and the electrification of the rail network between Northallerton and Teesport.

A new ‘commissioning board’ would commission skills training for 14 to 19 year olds and adult learners, while a housing investment fund would be set up to stimulate housing development.

Leader of Stockton Council, Councillor Bob Cook, said: “Through devolved powers we can further improve the fantastic work we already do to attract further business, investment and create jobs.

“We have a very clear and ambitious vision for the region’s future growth and more localised decision-making and control would help us successfully and swiftly implement it.”

:: North Yorkshire County Council has joined the City of York Council and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council in submitting a proposal for devolution to be considered by the Government.

County councillor Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said: “This bid is an excellent one that will deliver prosperity and growth.”