Transcript Slide 1
Delivering Growth Beyond the Cities Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council and Chair of North East Combined Authority 19 March 2015 National Context • England most centralised country in Europe • Scottish Referendum has reopened the debate • Devolution should benefit all areas, maximise opportunity and ensure that investment decisions about an area’s economic future are taken in that region • Economic growth is not just an urban issue • Combined Authorities are emerging as the preferred model of governance • Devolution deals and proposals are being developed North East Combined Authority • Seven Local Authorities established North East Leadership Board to create the Combined Authority • Established in 2014 • Shared vision with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership to create more and better jobs • North East Strategic Economic Plan sets out how we will: • Provide over one million jobs by 2024 • Representing 100,000 new jobs and equivalent to an 11% increase in employment • Halve the gap between the North East and national average on GVA, private sector employment density and activity rates North East Devolution…Prospectus • Playing to our strengths • North East Devolution Ask: Steady devolution of powers Build partnership with national and local government over 20 years Focus on economic development • Out to consultation March 2015 The Asks • North East Investment Fund – devolved capital funding for economic development, transport and regeneration • Enhanced responsibilities for delivery of around £500m European Funding - Formal Intermediary body for European funding • Deliver commitments for City Deals • Housing Investment Fund to deliver funds and loans devolved from HCA • Major Transport Infrastructure investment plans • Creation of Transport North East • International Connectivity through airport and port investment • Devolved Work Programme allowing joined up employability support • Devolved Skills Funding to deliver enhanced apprenticeships and meet skills gaps • Devolved business support budget to help North East businesses to grow • Integrated approach to public service delivery – develop over time to integrate management of public assets Delivering Growth across the North East • Already delivering change and growth through the Local Enterprise Partnership • Strong ambitions – for innovation; business support and access to finance; skills; economic assets and infrastructure; employability and inclusion; and transport and connectivity • Growth outside the cities: • National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in Blyth • North East Rural Growth Network • North East Growth Hub Delivering Growth in County Durham • Heart of the region and great place to do business • Strong ambitions - Regeneration Statement and County Durham Plan • Building on our business successes including Hitachi Rail Europe and ATOM (Bank) • Making the most of our assets including Aycliffe Business Park, NETPark, Durham University and tourism • Creating a Thriving Durham City through developments like Freemans Reach, Milburngate House and Aykley Heads • Enhancing connectivity and routes to market including rail freight interchange at Merchant Park II, Aycliffe Business Park • Maximising opportunities for investment • Delivering and measuring our success Benefits and Challenges of Devolution in Non Urban Areas • Opportunity for greater collaboration • Local areas have a strong economic role to play and have the opportunity to improve infrastructure, the use of our assets, skills and business support • Should enable the right decisions about growth • Areas must not be disadvantaged: devolution must be on offer to all Any Questions?