THIS has been a busy summer for local councillors and regeneration chiefs who are working on plans to wrest spending powers from Whitehall.

Transport, skills, jobs and wealth creation are central to a North-East devolution deal, or rather deals, as separate proposals are being submitted by the investment bodies, known as LEPs, which oversee Tees Valley, and the north of the region.

The deadline for bids is September 4.

The Government says it is committed to regional regeneration through its Northern Powerhouse idea which is being spearheaded by Stockton South MP James Wharton.

Devolution could deliver extensive powers over transport, planning, housing, training, the police and to integrate health and social care budgets.

Regions could also win a deal allowing them to retain tax revenues from economic growth, which they could use, for example, to fund road improvements.

But, in return, they have to agree to elect metropolitan mayors. Chancellor George Osborne has made it clear that deals will not be agreed without regions agreeing to elect a mayor. There will be no debate on this point, nor will there be a referendum of local voters on the concept of metro mayors.

The rules of the game are clear. The extent of powers and budgets up for grabs are much less certain.

We also have concerns that the new structures could sideline areas such as Durham or North Yorkshire who risk playing second fiddle to Newcastle/ Sunderland and Leeds/Bradford respectively.

Whatever your view of the Northern Powerhouse or metro mayors the region has until the end of next week to take a huge step forward in controlling its own economic destiny.