Almost every report to be found on this subject gives the impression that a devolution deal, with a directly-elected mayor being forced on the whole of the North East region, is a done deal signed off between Osborne and the leaders of the seven local authorities in the region. This is a misleading and inaccurate approach, intended perhaps to give the impression that all is done and dusted and that there is no turning back.
Given that the imposition of a directly elected mayor on the North East region would prove extremely unpopular with the people we think that this matter is far too important to be railroaded through. For this reason we thought it would be helpful to clarify a few details here in the hope that it will better inform the people of the region about what awaits should the devolution proposals be accepted.
Firstly, the deal is not yet finalised despite claims in most media reports. The leaders of the seven North East local authorities have simply agreed with Osborne to move negotiations on to the next stage. This level includes the option of signing a devolution deal at some point in the future if a number of conditions can be satisfactorily met.
Those conditions include agreement on a fair funding settlement for local councils through the chancellor's comprehensive spending review statement scheduled for 25 November, further consultation with the public (for county Durham residents this will mean a postal vote on the proposals) and finally the agreement of all seven constituent local authorities.
We think that the potential impact of the devolution offer will be so wide-reaching for our residents and communities that anything less than full engagement with the public, including a binding public vote, would be unacceptable and be seen as such by the people of our region. Part of that process of course must include starting a public debate on the proposals so that people will know exactly what they are being asked to vote on.
Durham County Council, along with the Area Action Partnerships, will be holding a series of consultation events in the coming months, leading up to the ballot to be held at some point in the new year.
We would encourage everyone to attend these sessions to help them to find out as much as they can about the devolution proposals and what they will really mean for our people and their communities in terms of funding and governance arrangements.
Our personal position is that Osborne's devolution proposal in its current form, and on his terms, offers nothing of any real benefit for the people of the North East but please get in touch and let us know what you think.
