'Trailblazer' devolution deal signed

Political leaders hailed the deal as a landmark for the region

A new "trailblazer" devolution deal that will bring funding to unlock the building of a major film studio in Sunderland has officially been signed.

Political leaders in north-east England gathered next to Durham Cathedral on Monday to sign the add-on that will make more than £100m available.

The North East becomes just the third region in England, following Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, to be given the “deeper” devolution powers.

It comes after seven councils across Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham signed a £4.2bn devolution settlement last year, agreeing to establish a new North East Mayoral Combined Authority and mend a political split between areas on either side of the Tyne.

'North doesn't end at M62'

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed in his Budget earlier this month that the region would receive a further transfer of powers and funding under the arrangement.

That included money to deliver a £25m investment towards the redevelopment of Sunderland's riverside, enabling the building of the Crown Works film and TV studios.

The commitment also features a £10m investment for Newcastle University’s regeneration of the city’s old general hospital site and separate plans to transform the former Elswick leadworks into the vast Quayside West development.

Additionally, £58m will be brought forward for maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro and there will be greater control over the building of affordable housing.

Speaking at the signing at Durham University’ St Chad’s College, North Tyneside’s elected mayor Dame Norma Redfearn said the long-awaited delivery of the devolution deal would mean “everyone can realise that the North doesn’t end at the M62”.

Levelling Up minister Jacob Young added that the region had for too long been “overlooked, undervalued and lacking the power it needs to shape its own future”.