A COMBINED authority for the Tees Valley would lead to greater prosperity, it was claimed today as plans were unveiled for the area's five authorities to come together to seek devolved powers and greater funding.

The proposed Tees Valley combined authority would be responsible for economic development, transport, infrastructure and skills.

A consultation will be launched next month on the plans, which would see the new authority being managed by the managing director of the Tees Valley Unlimited (TVU) local enterprise partnership (Lep), Stephen Catchpole.

Under the proposals the new authority would hold joint meetings with TVU and its business representatives, while also sharing staff and resources.

Individual borough councils - Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Hartlepool - would continue to deliver local services.

The announcement confirms that Tees Valley council leaders are looking to go it alone, rather than join the North East Combined Authority (NECA).

It is hoped the new statutory body would unlock devolved powers and resources which look likely to be handed out after the Scottish 'no' referendum vote.

Councillor Bill Dixon, vice-chairman of TVU and leader of Darlington Borough Council, said the plan was the most efficient use of resources.

“We all want to see maximum joint working to ensure our area is in the strongest possible position as powers and resources become devolved.

"This proposal would enhance the already successful private and public sector leadership in Tees Valley.”

Cllr Dixon said the body would remain accountable through the involvement of the five council leaders.

He also dismissed the likelihood of an elected mayor overseeing the authority - a proposal recently announced by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Mr Catchpole added: "We believe the public will see a greater prosperity because of these changes.

"Retaining the private sector at the heart of this is key."

The proposal has the backing of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), the CBI and the Institute of Directors.

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of NECC, said: “It is crucial that the chancellor understands, as he prepares his blueprint for the future, that far from being a problem for the UK to solve, the North-East is a huge asset that must be allowed to flourish.

"This combined authority proposal could contribute significantly to that process.”

While the proposed Tees Valley Combined Authority is set to be managed by the managing director of TVU, NECA is run by a leadership board made up of the seven local authority leaders, plus the chair of the North East Lep, with support from three officers, two of whom are existing council staff members.

The consultation process is expected to start on December 10 and last until the end of February.

A submission would then be made to Government, if the consultation was favourable.

If successful the combined authority is expected to come into operation in autumn or winter 2015.