North of Tyne Combined Authority has produced fruits for Northumberland, it was a long-negotiated process which led us to this point. We now need to ensure that we proceed to the next stage of devolution talks to secure a potential LA6 Combined Authority.

Northumberland Labour Leader Scott Dickinson said: “Having been involved with the creation of the Combined Authority with the previous Labour Leader of the Council we have seen the fruits that this Combined Authority has given to Northumberland not least as recent as yesterday when Labour Mayor and Leaders voted to support Northumberland Rail services formally known as the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne Line with £10m in investment.

“Key investments like this are only possible with a Combined Authority that’s the position of the Government and we have been supportive of the Combined Authority since its original creation.

“Moving forward as an LA6 will give a greater voice and power to secure further investment for the North East and ensure we are not left behind. The Combined Authority is key to that. We are currently only at the stage of seeking support to continue the discussions, and why wouldn’t you, the devil will be in the detail at a later date. It’s always frustrating awaiting more information but the Cabinet reshuffles of recent months have delayed that as you’d expect.

“But we must be ready and poised to restart discussions when the Government has pulled itself together.”

Northumberland Labour Group will continue to support Devolution, and urge information to be shared in greater detail when it becomes available.