A new devolution deal in the North East, which will help improve transport, housing, jobs and investment, has taken a step forward after receiving the majority backing of the public. 

The seven local authorities across the region, including Durham County Council, held a public consultation earlier this year in relation to the devolution deal, which was announced in December 2022.

It will see a significant shift in powers, funding and responsibility from central government, and is expected to provide an additional £4.2billion to the region over the next 30 years. 

Other authorities outlined for the new combined authority are Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside and Sunderland. 

A review of public consultation responses in County Durham found there was overall support from the public and businesses.

If given final approval by the government, the region will be given new powers including a regional approach to transport, which will help to meet the need of local communities; the development of new affordable housing; and opportunities for long term investment. 

A report presented to Durham County Council cabinet members today (Wednesday) says the majority of responses from residents, businesses, the voluntary and community sector and other key stakeholder groups have been positive, and in agreement with the proposed governance changes. There was particularly strong support for devolution around transport, skills, employment and adult education. 

On transport, respondents felt that it made sense for areas to work together under a regional transport strategy and with an integrated transport system.

People felt that the proposals offered a chance to improve public transport. Respondents felt that housing decisions for the region are best decided by local people and they could see great potential for housing improvements, in particular new affordable housing. 

However, there were concerns from residents, which came after the Labour Party voted against the North East devolution deal in favour of a County Durham-only deal. There was a perception by some that the governance proposals would lead to greater bureaucracy and cost for local residents, with the role of the Elected Mayor also questioned. 

A minority of people commented that the public should have had an opportunity to express a view on the “minded to” deal itself rather than the governance proposal.

But the council said that none of the above issues represent a “fundamental concern” in terms of progressing the proposals, but these issues will be taken into account when implementing the proposals and establishing the new MCA. 

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In total, 3,235 people or organisations took part in the consultation process out of a population of around 520,000. 

The Northern Echo: Cllrs Richard Bell and Amanda Hopgood backed the North East devolution dealCllrs Richard Bell and Amanda Hopgood backed the North East devolution deal (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, cllr Richard Bell, said the deal will help local members influence the future of the county.

“The devolution of transport, skills, housing and regeneration will allow decisions to be made closer to home as opposed to the current system, which sees decisions being made in London,” he said.  

“Regarding the public, although devolution has clearly not gripped the public imagination, this council has made every effort to engage. As a result of this significant effort, we had the highest number of responses in the region."