VOTING will begin in the only official poll on North-East devolution this week, as an online ballot for The Northern Echo delivered a narrow thumbs down to the flagship Government proposals.

Chancellor George Osborne announced twin devolution agreements for the North-East, comprising County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, and the Tees Valley last October.

If accepted, they would see mayors elected for the neighbouring regions in May 2017, with powers over employment and skills, transport and planning. Both would get investment funds; worth £30m a year for the North-East and £15m a year for the Tees Valley.

Durham County Council is the only one of the 12 involved to hold a vote on the package - and the postal ballot begins this week.

Information packs and poll papers will be delivered to all those registered to vote in the county between Wednesday and Monday (January 13-18).

Voters are being asked their views on the principle of devolution, its likely impact, the role of an elected mayor and possible future devolution.

Online voting will be allowed, but the poll is not binding and could cost the taxpayer nearly £250,000.

Responses must be received by 5pm on Monday, February 8. A full council meeting will debate the outcome and vote on whether to back the proposals later in February.

Council leader Simon Henig said: “The proposed devolution agreement would change the way a number of key decisions are made in the North-East.

“It would see more decisions about our economy, transport, jobs and housing development being made in the region instead of London.

“Devolution would also see the introduction of a regional elected mayor, who would chair the North East Combined Authority.

“We believe it is important that the people of County Durham are given the chance to give their views on whether this is the right thing to do.”

For more information, visit durham.gov.uk/consultation

Meanwhile, voters in an online poll at thenorthernecho.co.uk rejected the proposals.

Asked “Do you think the North-East and Tees Valley should accept the Government’s proposals?”, 54 per cent of respondents said no.

The poll was open to all and received 112 votes.