A NEW cross-council group set up to boost the region’s economy has published its first strategy, aimed at claiming more powers for the North-East, improving transport links and raising skills among the workforce.

The LA7 Leadership Board, which brings together Durham, Sunderland, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Northumberland councils, has published “Creating the right governance for growth in the North East”, making economic growth its top priority.

The group has begun a governance review, in the hope councils will be able to take greater powers and work better together.

On transport, the study envisages a new organisation with a remit covering transport across the whole LA7 area.

Finally, on skills, a new system is proposed to bring “greater employer influence, increasing the numbers of people with higher level skills and investing in high quality advice and guidance”.

Mick Henry, Gateshead Council leader and chair of the LA7 Leadership Board, said: “We all share the ambition to create the best possible conditions for growth.

“This region needs new jobs, investment and improvements to infrastructure.

“We hope that a single body, challenged with delivering real results for the region around transport, skills and economic growth, can be truly transformational.”