Chamber reaction to government’s Devolution White Paper
Date published:
Rhiannon Bearne, deputy chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Today’s publication of the English Devolution White Paper is a welcome step forward in driving deeper devolution across the North East region.
“The broad ambition – to devolve and align many of the powers relating to key elements of regional infrastructure, from skills and planning to transport and housing – is positive.
“Set alongside a more sensible, proportionate and pragmatic approach to funding, it has the potential to enable our region’s two mayoral combined authorities to continue delivering for their people and places, and increasingly act as exemplars of devolution in practice.
“As deliverer of two of the North East’s Local Skills Improvement Plans, we are particularly pleased to see the government recognise the important role these initiatives have played in putting the employer’s voice at the heart of the skills system. We look forward to continuing to work with the region’s two combined authorities in partnership to build on these foundations and help deliver learning and training opportunities which meet the industries of the North East’s future.
“As strong advocates of further, faster devolution as part of our plan for a stronger, fairer North East, it is good to see the government respond directly to many of the Chamber’s specific calls for action. Commitments to long-term financial stability, integrated funding settlements and skills delivery via strong public private partnerships are all measures our 2,000 strong membership across the public, private and voluntary sectors has consistently called for.
“The government has called this the biggest transfer of powers out of Westminster to England’s regions. As the voice of North East business and beyond we stand ready to play our part.”