A long-awaited devolution deal worth £4.2bn to the North East was signed off by political leaders today (Friday, January 27).

The signing of the deal will create a landmark combined authority of all seven North East councils and give decision makers here a bigger say over issues including transport, education and skills, and housing.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove met with council leaders at the Baltic Centre in Gateshead to sign off the deal before the Tyne’s iconic bridges.

Read more: North East prison sees more more deaths than any other in region in 2022

Speaking at a signing ceremony shortly after 12.30pm, Mr Gove said he wanted to “give a loud Northern Echo” about the new devolution deal.

“I am proud to sign this historic devolution deal for the North East today, which will give local leaders the flexibility and freedom they need to tackle the most pressing issues affecting the day-to-day lives of people in the area,” the Levelling Up Secretary said.

“Levelling up the North East remains an absolute priority for the government, and I look forward to working closely with local leaders to unlock fresh opportunities that create tangible benefits for people right across the region.”

The deal provides another £1.4bn for the region over the next 30 years.

It also brings powers to better improve local skills through full devolution of the Adult Education budget and a greater say over the Local Skills Improvement Plan.

£563m will go towards local rail services across the region, as well as the ability to introduce bus franchising.

And there is £17.4m to support and accelerate the building of new homes on brownfield land.

Speaking at the signing ceremony Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham Council, told The Northern Echo: “It’s a historic moment. It’s time the North East had control of its own destiny, and that’s what we’ve done today.

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“We have seen how decisions made in London aren’t always best for what people of the North East.

“Durham is an equal part of this deal – there are seven local authorities and this goes beyond party politics. This the whole region coming together and it’s really important that we embrace that and do what is best for everyone.”

When asked whether she would be asking the government why County Durham missed out on funding from last week’s levelling up bids Cllr Hopgood added: “We have a letter ready to go next week. Again I think it highlights why this devolution deal is so important and we are controlling our own destiny.”

On the issue of Durham being left out of last week’s levelling-up funding Mr Gove added: “It is the case that we spent twice as much per capita in the North East as in the South East but it’s right to say there is more to be done.

“I will be going to Sedgefield and Newton Aycliffe later today and speaking to Paul Howell (MP for Sedgefield) in order to see what we can do more in order to more levelling up fund money into Sedgefield and other areas in County Durham.”

The deal, which brings together Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, County Durham and Northumberland, was announced on December 27.

Elections to chose a new mayor to lead the authority are set to be held in May 2024 following a consultation on the plans.

The mayoral race unexpectedly kicked off on Thursday (January 26) as Labour’s Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness became the first candidate to throw her hat into the ring.

The move is likely to have caused tension in the Labour Party, with North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll also expected to launch a bid to for the new job.

No other candidates are yet to officially announce their intention to stand for the role.

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