THE final elements of the North-East Combined Authority’s first budget have been agreed.

Last month, the authority announced it would allocate £145 million to improve transport, boost skills and increase economic development in the region.

It set aside a further £89 million to protect threatened transport services and fund concessionary travel.

However, two issues, namely a proposed transport grant to Nexus and resources for securing inward investment, were postponed to allow further consideration.

At a meeting on Tuesday, February 17, board members dealt with the outstanding matters, approving a £64.5 million transport grant to Nexus to deliver services in Tyne and Wear and agreeing for the £70,000 base budget for inward investment to be shared between the seven authorities.

It was also agreed that the potential to increase the level of support from each local authority would be discussed at the next meeting.

Councillor Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council and chairman of the North-East Combined Authority, said: “I am very pleased that these remaining budget issues have been agreed.

“This will enable us to move forward and focus on delivering the transport and economic priorities needed to encourage investment in our region, promote successful businesses and bring new jobs.”