Delivering Growth Beyond the Cities Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council and Chair of North East Combined Authority 19 March 2015

National Context England most centralised country in Europe Scottish Referendum has reopened the debate Devolution should benefit all areas, maximise opportunity and ensure that investment decisions about an area’s economic future are taken in that region Economic growth is not just an urban issue Combined Authorities are emerging as the preferred model of governance Devolution deals and proposals are being developed

North East Combined Authority Seven Local Authorities established North East Leadership Board to create the Combined Authority Established in 2014 Shared vision with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership to create more and better jobs North East Strategic Economic Plan sets out how we will: Provide over one million jobs by 2024 Representing 100,000 new jobs and equivalent to an 11% increase in employment Halve the gap between the North East and national average on GVA, private sector employment density and activity rates

North East Devolution…Prospectus Playing to our strengths North East Devolution Ask: Steady devolution of powers Build partnership with national and local government over 20 years Focus on economic development Out to consultation March 2015

The Asks North East Investment Fund – devolved capital funding for economic development, transport and regeneration Enhanced responsibilities for delivery of around £500m European Funding - Formal Intermediary body for European funding Deliver commitments for City Deals

Housing Investment Fund to deliver funds and loans devolved from HCA Major Transport Infrastructure investment plans Creation of Transport North East International Connectivity through airport and port investment

Devolved Work Programme allowing joined up employability support Devolved Skills Funding to deliver enhanced apprenticeships and meet skills gaps Devolved business support budget to help North East businesses to grow Integrated approach to public service delivery – develop over time to integrate management of public assets

Delivering Growth across the North East Already delivering change and growth through the Local Enterprise Partnership Strong ambitions – for innovation; business support and access to finance; skills; economic assets and infrastructure; employability and inclusion; and transport and connectivity Growth outside the cities: National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in Blyth North East Rural Growth Network North East Growth Hub

Delivering Growth in County Durham Heart of the region and great place to do business Strong ambitions - Regeneration Statement and County Durham Plan Building on our business successes including Hitachi Rail Europe and ATOM (Bank) Making the most of our assets including Aycliffe Business Park, NETPark, Durham University and tourism Creating a Thriving Durham City through developments like Freemans Reach, Milburngate House and Aykley Heads

Enhancing connectivity and routes to market including rail freight interchange at Merchant Park II, Aycliffe Business Park Maximising opportunities for investment Delivering and measuring our success

Benefits and Challenges of Devolution in Non Urban Areas Opportunity for greater collaboration Local areas have a strong economic role to play and have the opportunity to improve infrastructure, the use of our assets, skills and business support Should enable the right decisions about growth Areas must not be disadvantaged: devolution must be on offer to all

Any Questions?