Skip to main content
Elections Expertise
Silhouette of hand putting paper into ballot box

Historic devolution of powers to North East England

18 March 2024
Share page:
Leaders of seven North East councils stand behind Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young who is sitting at a table signing a document

Durham University was the venue for an historic transfer of powers and money to North East England.

We were pleased to host the official signing of a devolution deal between the UK government and North East England’s seven local authorities.

The North East ‘trailblazer’ deal will hand a new North East Mayor and Cabinet more control over transport, housing and skills in the region.

It makes available over £100million of new funding for the North East’s priorities and represents a trailblazing approach to public sector innovation.

The deal means that instead of local decisions being made by central UK government in London, more power will be placed in the hands of the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority that will be formally established on 7 May 2024.

An historic occasion, a brighter future

At the signing event on 18 March, seven leaders from across Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham came together at St Chad’s College to sign the agreement with Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young.

Professor Claire O’Malley, our Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global), introduced the historic occasion which also featured addresses from Dame Norma Redfearn, the Mayor of North Tyneside, and Mr Young.

Mr Young said it was fitting that the signing was taking place at Durham, describing the University as ‘an ancient seat of learning right in the heart of the North East’.

Professor O’Malley spoke about our role in North East England – including driving the economy and increasing social mobility.

Find out more