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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Any Questions?