Sunderland and South Tyneside leaders back £4.2billion devolution deal

Graeme Miller and Tracey Dixon are among leaders backing the deal.

Ruling councillors at two North East local authorities have joined regional colleagues in voicing their support for a new £4.2billion devolution deal.

Council cabinets across the area have been meeting this week to formally endorse a deal to bring new funding and decision-making powers to the North East.

It is hoped the move, which would see a new North East mayor elected in 2024, will create 24,000 new jobs and give leaders in the region more control over key issues like transport.

Previously, South Tyneside and Sunderland had opted out of such a deal, which saw Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland form their own ‘North of Tyne’ pact, without the region’s other authorities.

On Wednesday, January 18, a meeting of South Tyneside Cabinet unanimously endorsed the “minded to” deal, with Sunderland City Council Cabinet following suit when they met on Thursday morning.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, South Tyneside council leader, said: “This is a significant step towards securing important decision making powers and investment for our region and for South Tyneside.

“This will allow us to make decisions for our best local need and invest wisely in projects that will make a difference for all of our residents, communities and local economy.

“We have worked hard to ensure we get the very best from the deal we have negotiated.”