What the North East devolution deal means for Durham

Next month, on Thursday 2 May, the North East begins a pivotal journey with the election of the first mayor for the newly established North East Mayoral Combined Authority.

This landmark heralds a transformative era under the North East Devolution deal, promising to not only reshape our governance landscape but also to profoundly impact the daily lives and prospects of everyone in Durham and beyond.

This historic agreement, a collaborative effort among the councils of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Sunderland, spells a significant change in local governance and regional empowerment. In December 2022, ministers and local leaders signed the deal, setting the stage for transformative changes.

But what exactly is this devolution deal? At its core, it represents a transfer of powers and funds from the national government to our local authorities, enabling decisions that directly affect our communities to be made closer to home.

The deal, with a £4.2 billion investment over 30 years, is about real, tangible changes in sectors like education, transportation, and housing.

As residents of Durham, it’s crucial to understand both the bright promises and the challenges this deal brings. From the potential for economic revitalisation to the complexities of managing such a transformative plan, the implications are vast.

This article aims to demystify the North East Devolution deal, breaking down its components, and exploring what it means for us in Durham – in our streets, schools, workplaces, and homes.

Simplifying the deal

What is devolution?

In essence, devolution is about bringing power closer to the people. It’s the process where the central government hands over certain powers and responsibilities to regional or local authorities.

Imagine it as a shift from decisions being made in distant offices in London to our own council chambers here in Durham. This means more tailored, locally-focused decisions impacting our daily lives.

In this new landscape of devolved powers, the decisions made by our local authorities in Durham will directly address the unique needs and aspirations of our community, ensuring that local voices are central to shaping the future.

Key features of the North East devolution deal

To make sense of this deal, let’s break down its main components:

1. £4.2 billion investment: Over the next 30 years, this hefty sum will flow into our region and be allocated to various projects.

2. Areas of impact:

   • Transportation: Expect improvements in our local transport infrastructure, making travel easier and more efficient.

   • Education and skills: This includes funding for schools, vocational training, and perhaps new educational initiatives, aiming to boost skills and employability in Durham.

   • Housing development: Addressing the housing needs of the region, which could mean more affordable homes and better living conditions.

3. Local decision-making: With devolution, decisions about how to use these funds will be made by those who understand Durham best – our local leaders and representatives.

The Mayoral Elections and the role of the North East Mayor

A crucial aspect of the North East devolution deal is the election of the first mayor for the newly established North East Mayoral Combined Authority. Scheduled for 2 May 2024, this election will be a landmark event, ushering in a new era of governance for the region.

The elected mayor will have significant powers and responsibilities under the devolution deal. They will serve as the figurehead and lead decision-maker for the combined authority, which encompasses the local authorities of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Sunderland.

The mayor will have authority over key policy areas such as transportation, economic development, skills and employment, housing, and strategic planning. They will be responsible for overseeing the allocation and utilisation of the £4.2 billion investment, ensuring that the funds are directed towards projects and initiatives that align with the region’s priorities.

The mayoral leadership and decision-making will directly shape the policies, investments, and initiatives that will affect the daily lives of Durham’s residents. As such, the election of the mayor will be a crucial moment for the people of Durham, as they will have a direct say in who leads the combined authority and how the devolution deal is implemented.

The decision process

The decision process for the devolution deal involved a concerted effort from multiple local authorities, including County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland, ensuring a wide-ranging impact across the region.

This culminated in the December 2022 agreement. Think of it as a dialogue aimed at ensuring the best for our region, with each party bringing something to the table.

Why it matters

This deal is a game-changer for how things are run in Durham and the North East. It’s about having a say in our future and ensuring that the needs of our community are met, not by distant policymakers, but by those who live and breathe Durham and the wider North East.

Timeline of the North East Devolution Deal

• December 2022: Agreement signed by ministers and local leaders.

• January 2023: Official signing with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

• March 2023: Public consultation ends with overall support for the changes.

• Autumn 2023 – Early 2024: Councils to seek final approval; an order made in Parliament for the formation of the new authority.

• May 2024: Election of a new Mayor for the newly formed authority.

Potential benefits for Durham

The North East Devolution deal isn’t just about financial figures and political arrangements; it’s about real benefits for the people of Durham. Let’s explore how this deal could positively impact our community:

Economic revitalisation

• Job creation: The influx of funds and projects can lead to new job opportunities in various sectors, from construction to education.

• Local business support: With a focus on regional growth, local businesses in Durham could see a boost, leading to a more vibrant local economy.

Enhanced local services

• Transportation upgrades: Improved public transport and infrastructure mean easier commutes and better connectivity within Durham and to neighbouring areas.

• Education investment: Additional funding in education could lead to better-equipped schools, new learning programs, and enhanced training for teachers, benefiting our children and youth.

• Quality housing: With a focus on housing development, the deal promises to address housing shortages and improve living standards.

Empowered local governance

• Tailored decision-making: Local authorities having more control can lead to policies and decisions that are more closely aligned with Durham’s specific needs and priorities.

• Community participation: With power devolved to a local level, there’s greater scope for community involvement in decision-making processes.

Environmental and cultural benefits

• Sustainable development: Investment in green infrastructure and sustainable projects could enhance Durham’s environmental landscape.

• Cultural investments: Funding could also be allocated to local cultural and historical projects, preserving Durham’s rich heritage and boosting tourism.

Long-term growth and stability

• Future-proofing the economy: By investing in key areas like education and infrastructure, Durham can build a foundation for long-term economic stability and growth.

The collective impact of these initiatives under the North East Devolution deal could potentially significantly elevate the quality of life in Durham, fostering a more prosperous, well-connected, and vibrant community for all its residents.

Navigating potential challenges

While the benefits of the North East Devolution deal paint a picture of a thriving, forward-looking Durham, with the devolution deal acting as a catalyst for positive change, it’s crucial to navigate this path with a clear understanding of potential challenges and downsides. Here are some of the key concerns and what they might mean for our community:

Funding allocation concerns

• Equitable distribution: There’s always a concern about how funds are distributed among various projects and regions. Will Durham receive its fair share in alignment with its needs?

• Efficiency of use: How effectively will these funds be used? There’s a risk of mismanagement or funds not being utilised for the most impactful projects.

Implementation risks

• Bureaucratic challenges: With such a significant shift in governance structure, there could be bureaucratic hurdles that might delay or complicate the implementation of projects.

• Coordination among Councils: Effective coordination among the involved councils is crucial. Any lack of synergy could affect the overall success of the deal.

Long-term impact uncertainties

• Economic fluctuations: The long-term nature of the deal means it’s subject to economic ups and downs. How will changing economic landscapes affect the deal’s outcomes?

• Political changes: Changes in political leadership, both locally and nationally, could influence the deal’s direction and priorities.

Community impact

• Public perception and participation: It’s vital to ensure that the public’s voice is heard and that their concerns are addressed. A lack of public support or understanding could hinder the deal’s potential.

• Social and cultural impacts: While economic growth is a focus, it’s essential to consider the social and cultural impact on the community. Will the deal inadvertently affect Durham’s cultural identity or social fabric?

Community voices: The heart of the deal

Before drawing our conclusions, it’s essential to turn our focus to the most crucial element of the devolution deal – the people of Durham.

After all, it’s the residents who will live with the outcomes of this deal. Here’s what public opinion and participation mean in the context of this devolution deal:

Public opinion and participation

• Public consultation: The public consultation period, which ended in March 2023, demonstrated overall support for the changes among the residents. This phase was vital in gauging public opinion and ensuring community involvement in the process.

Why your voice matters

• Shaping the future: Public opinion can play a decisive role in ensuring that the deal aligns with the community’s best interests.

• Holding authorities accountable: Active public engagement is key to holding local authorities accountable and ensuring transparency in how the deal is managed.

Having explored both the bright prospects and the potential challenges of the North East Devolution deal, it’s clear that this initiative stands as a pivotal moment for Durham.

As we look ahead, understanding and engaging with this deal becomes crucial for every resident.

The North East Devolution deal represents a significant shift in how our region will be governed and developed. With its promise of substantial investment and more localised decision-making, it holds the potential to reshape Durham’s economic, social, and cultural landscape for the better.

The prospects of improved infrastructure, enhanced educational opportunities, and a stronger economy paint a hopeful picture for Durham’s future.

However, this journey is not without its hurdles. Issues like funding allocation, implementation challenges, and the uncertainties of long-term impact remind us that careful planning, transparent governance, and active community involvement are essential.

As residents of Durham, we are at a crossroads of opportunity and responsibility. The devolution deal invites us to envision and work towards a more prosperous and vibrant Durham. But it also calls for our vigilance and participation to ensure that this vision becomes a reality that benefits all.