DURHAM County Council’s cabinet has agreed to move to the next stage of the devolution process – to create a mayoral combined authority for the North-East.

Councillors today (Wednesday, May 11) endorsed the move subject to a number of “red line” conditions being met, including that County Durham is not left worse off by the Government’s proposals on transport and highways funding.

They are also insisting that mayoral powers are restricted and seeking a commitment that ongoing discussions with Government will ensure fair funding.

The decision comes ahead of a crucial meeting of the North East Combined Authority on Tuesday, May 17, when the way ahead will be discussed.

In March Gateshead Council rejected the Government’s offer while the remaining six members of the North-East Combined Authority (NECA), including Durham County Council, agreed to continue the process, but press for further concessions.

A report to cabinet today set out the progress made in addressing the outstanding issues, as well as the potential consequences of agreeing or not agreeing to be part of a mayoral combined authority area.

Cllr Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “The council believes that it’s better that we do remain at the table as we progress on the devolution journey.

“We acknowledge that a great deal of progress has been made in the negotiations with the Government since March.

“As a result we are now in a position to move ahead to the next stage of the process, which will be the creation of a mayoral combined authority.

“We believe that devolution offers real opportunities to the North-East – and nearly 60 per cent of people in County Durham who responded to our household poll agreed that it could benefit the region.

“However, there is still some progress to be made and we remain focused on ensuring that the conditions which form part of the agreement are met.”

Cllr Henig said a poll showed the majority of people wanted an “embedded mayor” who worked with existing bodies, not somebody who is “elected and is then somehow a supremo for the whole of the North-East”.

Cllr Neil Foster added: “They last thing we want to create is a new Prince Bishop with dictatorial rights.

“We need to make sure that the mayor here is a partner who takes us forward in a progressive manner and who works for the people of the North-East and County Durham."

A final decision on whether to agree to the creation of a mayoral combined authority will not be made until all necessary council cabinets have met, along with the Leadership Board of the North East Combined Authority, which meets on Tuesday, May 17.