15 December 2011

Minister Visits Newcastle Ahead Of Devolution

Cities Minister Greg Clark will on Thursday visit Newcastle to continue talks on offering the city new powers as part of the forthcoming 'city deals'.

The Government announced last week that England’s largest cities, including Newcastle, are being offered the powers freeing cities from Whitehall control in a number of areas to give local communities "more flexibility".

Greg Clark will visit the North Eastern local enterprise partnership and Enterprise Zone, and hold discussions with local leaders from Newcastle City and Gateshead councils about putting together a successful deal that will see Newcastle given powers to jumpstart local growth.

Greg Clark said: “Newcastle is one of the country’s economic powerhouses and we are giving the city the freedom it needs to meet its potential and get it firing on all cylinders.

“I want to work closely with the local enterprise partnership and local councils to agree a new deal that will successfully drive growth across the North East.

“I have no doubt about the ambition of local leaders in Newcastle to get this right, and I am determined that powers and tools are handed down to them to grow their economy."

Council bosses have been drawing up a ‘shopping list’ of powers which would see responsibility – in areas such as employment, housing and transport – shift from Whitehall to city authorities made up from the area's councils.

Paul Woolston, Chair of the North Eastern LEP, said: "I am delighted that the Government has given the green light for Newcastle to progress and implement a new city deal. Increased flexibility, from Whitehall, to deliver growth and employment will benefit the wider North East economy.

Councillor Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “At a time of high unemployment and low or no growth nationally, we are determined to make our city a ‘Working City’ and help lead the North East region out of recession and into sustainable growth.

“We are determined to be open for business and do all we can to create the best conditions for new jobs and investment.”

(DW)