A PUBLIC debate on the economic future of the North-East is to take place next month.

Jobs or Bust: Is the North East economy running out of steam? will be held in Central Square, Newcastle, on Tuesday, May 8, at 7pm, the first of four public debates on the issue.

Speakers include Ash Amin, from the Centre for the Study of Cities and Regions, Councillor John Shipley, leader of Newcastle City Council, and Sue Stirling, director of the Institute of Public Policy in the northern region.

The debate follows the publication last year of a controversial report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which found that the region lagged behind comparable areas, expressed concern about the region's economic strategy and warned about unrealistic expectations.

Ms Stirling said: "Involving the public in policy making is fundamentally important to shaping a dynamic region in the future.

"We hope these debates will give people a chance to discuss what they believe are the critical issues facing our region."

The event will also look at a range of key challenges including keeping graduates in the region, tackling high concentrations of unemployment, and ensuring the region's workforce is skilled up to compete nationally and internationally.