Devolution Timeline
Here you can learn more about the devolution timeline and what happens next.
What we’ve done so far.
24 November 2017
A devolution deal is agreed between Government and Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland councils.
Known as a ‘minded to approve’ deal, it has to go through a statutory process before our devolved powers are handed over.
“This Government is delivering for the North East. We have been clear in our commitment to ensure that opportunity is shared across the country as we create an economy fit for the future. Today represents a big step in achieving this – giving the people of the North of the Tyne a bigger voice and greater power over their future.
— Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Jones
November 2017
Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland councils carry out a governance review. The review is required by law and must show how the deal and proposed governance changes meet a number of statutory tests. It is, essentially, the economic argument for change.
The review looks at the impact of the changes proposed in the devolution deal for Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland councils to leave the existing North East Combined Authority (NECA) and set up a new North of Tyne Combined Authority. It also looks at how the deal will impact economically on the council areas of South Tyneside, Sunderland, Gateshead and County Durham.
December 2017
Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland councils consider the governance review. The councils are satisfied that the statutory tests have been met and agree to progress to a consultation on the proposals.
December 2017 to February 2018
A six-week consultation is held to gather the views of the public, organisations and key stakeholders in the region on the governance review.
End of February 2018
The views gathered in the consultation are analysed and submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. The Secretary of State considers the results of the consultation and agrees that our proposals meet the statutory tests.
February 2018 to summer 2018
The Secretary of State drafts orders to:
create the North of Tyne Combined Authority;
change the geographic area of the current NECA (ie without the three councils of Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland); and
create a statutory joint committee to oversee transport arrangements in the wider North East region.
All of the local authorities in the current NECA approve the draft order.
4 July 2018
The Secretary of State lays the order to create the North of Tyne Combined Authority before Parliament.
November 2018
Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry signs the Parliamentary order to finalise the £600m North of Tyne devolution deal. A historic moment for the region!
An interim Mayor will be appointed to oversee the authority until a Mayor is elected in 2019. A Joint Committee for Transport will be set up to manage the transport arrangements in both the North of Tyne and NECA areas.
What’s next?
May 2019
Elections will be held in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland to elect a Mayor for the North of Tyne Combined Authority.