A REPORT published this week reveals that public groups in the North-East are doing little to prepare for an elected regional assembly.

Independent think-tank the New Local Government Network says most intend to "firefight" the issue if and when it arises.

The authors of the report, called Are we ready for Regions?, said: "Many key players have not bought into the regional project, whether it is being involved in the push for sustainable economic development, or developing strategic work by the regional tier.

"Our findings tell us that consultation has not reached as far as it might.

"It appears to be restricted to those in the loop, and that loop is too small."

The report is based on interviews with key individuals in the public sector in the three frontline regions - the North-East, Yorkshire Humberside and the North-West.

A referendum on a possible assembly for the North-East is due to be held on November 4.

Interviewees included council leaders and cabinet members and local authority directors of planning, education, social services and housing.

Chairmen of police authorities and a primary care trust, and senior representatives of the regional development agencies and passenger transport executives were also questioned.

One council leader said: "Even if there is a successful referendum, it is going to be several years before there actually is an elected assembly in place. I think there is plenty of time to look at transitional issues then."

A copy of the report is available free at www.nlgn.org.uk

Prescott visiting the region today

DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott is in the region today to see how preparations are going for November's referendum on a North-East regional assembly.

He is visiting the Royal Mail Centre, on the Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, which is about to supervise the delivery of an information leaflet on the referendum to 1.2 million households in the region.

Distribution starts early next week and it is expected to take two weeks to ensure every household in the region receives a leaflet.

The referendum takes place on November 4.