County Durham wants to join a multi-billion pound devolution deal to establish a new North East mayor.
After being set a mid-October deadline by ministers to make up their mind, the county council’s coalition administration confirmed on Friday that they want to be part of a region-wide agreement – but they might yet find their route blocked by other council leaders. If approved, the deal would see a new mayor elected in May 2024 to govern a huge combined authority stretching across seven council areas through Northumberland, Tyneside, Wearside, and County Durham.
The authority would be granted major new funding and powers held by other parts of England but not currently in the North East, including critical decision-making powers on transport that could lead to the region’s bus services being brought under public control.
