Agenda and minutes

Consideration has been given to the progress made in securing a devolution deal for the North East and to the next steps in progressing the necessary governance arrangements.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the “minded to” devolution deal as set out in Annex A to Appendix 2 of the report be endorsed in principle.

(ii)

That the findings of the governance review as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, namely that the proposed creation of a new mayoral combined authority for the North East region to replace the existing combined authorities will improve the exercise of statutory functions across the region be agreed.

(iii)

That the North East Councils publishing a scheme for the delivery of these governance changes (the current draft of which scheme as set out in Annex B to Appendix 2) be agreed.

(iv)

That the North East Councils undertake public consultation in connection with the proposals contained in the scheme, as described in paragraphs 12 and 13 of the report, be agreed.

(v)

That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of Council, be authorised to take all steps necessary to implement the above proposals, including (but not limited to) making amendments to the scheme prior to its publication for consultation purposes.

The above decisions have been made for the following reason:

The creation of a new mayoral combined authority for the North East region would unlock the benefits of the minded to devolution deal and improve the exercise of statutory functions across the region.