DEAL powers
Seven North-East local authorities have finally agreed to a devolution deal for the North-East – a move that should bring more money and to the region from London .
Paul Howell MP “ The financial benefits of this are obvious for the region , with potential of up to £ 4.2b in investment including a fund of £ 1.4 billion over 30 years a years to support inclusive economic growth .
“ The opportunity for our region is huge and when you consider how much Ben Houchen , the Conservative mayor for the Tees Valley , has delivered for a much smaller area , then having a similar voice shouting for us , both nationally and on the world stage , can be transformative for investment .
“ More broadly , though , I am backing this deal because it brings power closer to people . For too long , my constituents and people all across the North-East have been overlooked , because too many decisions made over their lives are made far away in Westminster .
“ I am delighted that the Conservative government is doing what is right by bringing more power and responsibility closer to local towns and villages so as to ensure that people in Newton Aycliffe and the rest of the North-East get the focus they deserve .”
“ The North- East devolution deal is a great breakthrough for the region as a whole .”
David Osborne , CEO , Roman “ The North-East devolution deal is a great breakthrough for the region as a whole .
“ It should bring some real focus and targeting to key infrastructure and development projects . Local knowledge now helping to directly guide local investment .”
Caraline Robinson , manufacturing director , Husqvarna UK “ This is fantastic news for the people of the North-East . At Husqvarna we particularly welcome the opportunity that the deal provides the region , to better improve local skills in line with the needs of local businesses .
“ In order to support the growth of Husqvarna in the years to come we need a diverse pool of people locally with good technical skills in areas such as robotics , artificial intelligence , data analysis and engineering , to support our processes of the future , as well as people with supervisory skills , and a sound knowledge of operational excellence .
“ We look forward to having input to the Local Skills Improvement Plan .”
Sarah Waddington CBE , chair , Institute of Directors North East ( North ) branch “ I warmly welcome the news that we finally have the go-ahead for a North East devolution deal .
“ Devolution is of paramount importance for our region , not least because of the investment and local decision-making powers it will unlock .
“ The move will enable leaders to make decisions that support directors on the ground to do what they do best - driving innovation and prosperity .
“ Now we can genuinely make the concept of Levelling Up happen and we will work closely with the new combined authority to ensure the voice of business continues to be heard .”
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 27