Following the meeting of metro mayors at Downing Street on Tuesday (9 July), the Prime Minister confirmed plans to give more powers to the North East.
Following the meeting of metro mayors at Downing Street on Tuesday (9 July), the Prime Minister confirmed plans to give more powers to the North East. Further details are provided in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities press release below.
New local growth plans to harness the North East's potential as Prime Minister hosts Mayors in Downing Street
Plans to reignite the untapped potential of the North East and hand leaders more power were set out at the first ever, cross party mayoral meeting held in 10 Downing Street (09/07/24).
Joined by England metro mayors, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister set out their ambitions for each leader to deliver economic growth working hand-in-hand with central government to benefit local people.
They confirmed that Mayors will be backed with new powers over planning, skills, employment support and transport; along with integrated funding settlements to leaders who demonstrate exemplary handling of public money.
During the first-of-its kind meeting, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed their belief that Mayors have the vital local knowledge, capacity or flexibility needed to take advantage of every opportunity.
Mayors will also develop Local Growth Plans which will help harness local strengths and deliver new opportunities, unblocking things standing in the way of tapping the potential that exists.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said:
“From manufacturing to pharmaceuticals, areas across the North East make a vital contribution to the British economy. But too much of this of this power has yet to be unlocked, held back by decisions in Westminster.
“That’s why I’m determined to reset relationships across the country with mayors, like Kim McGuinness, who know their areas best – giving more power back to the people who know what works for their communities.”
The Deputy Prime Minister will write to all Mayors reiterating the need to work together to develop proposals to boost growth and other opportunities.
A key part of the roundtable focused on resetting the relationship between central and regional governments, focusing on public service, respect and collaboration, along with the early steps needed to unlock economic growth and tackle regional inequality.
The Deputy Prime Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to widening devolution to more areas, encouraging more local authorities to come together and take on new powers.
Mayors can play an important role in advocating for the benefits of devolution and showing the impact they have been able to make with expanded powers.
The government will also establish a Council of Nations and Regions bringing together the Prime Minister, the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, the First and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, and the Mayors of Combined Authorities.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:
“The North East boasts not only stunning natural landscapes, but also the economic might required to be a true powerhouse of growth.
“We want to relight the fire of our regions to drive growth in every part of this country, and to do this properly we need people who know their areas best to have their say.
“That’s why it’s so important we work hand-in-hand with our Mayors to harness the potential of our towns and cities, tackle regional inequalities and to make a difference to people’s lives.
“But I want to take devolution even further and expand our offer to other areas – and I invite local leaders from parts of England without a mayor to come forward and speak to us about how we can work with you to transform your regions.”
North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said:
“When I was elected, I vowed to fight for our region on the national stage and end the days where the North East was overlooked. Meeting the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister provided the opportunity to set out how we can work together to make the North East the home of real opportunity.
“Working with the new Government, we can transform the prospects of the North East and shape our destiny - where we stand tall as a region, improve our standing in the world and ensure people have opportunities to thrive.
“Together, we can forge a powerful partnership which unlocks opportunity, tackles child poverty and creates a brighter future for everyone in our region. I look forward to working with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to make that vision a reality.”
The meeting marked the start of a new partnership between mayors and government, opening the door to a new structure for vital ongoing engagement.