Details of the ‘super council’ being proposed for the Teesside region have been unveiled today.
Five local councils are to consult on plans to join forces in a bid to boost economic growth and job creation.
The move would see the local authorities retain their own identities, delivering local services, but unite as a formal Tees Valley Combined Authority when focusing on economic development, transport, infrastructure and skills.
The new statutory body could also unlock devolved powers and resources from Government.
The proposal already has the backing of the five leaders of Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool and Darlington councils.
Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: “We need a strong single voice to advance the Tees area agenda to national government on the big strategic issues such as transport, employment and in particular the skills agenda which is the prerequisite to economic growth for our area.”
Cllr Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton Council, said: “We already have a strong track record in forging effective partnerships across sectors. By harnessing these strengths in a more formal arrangement we could build a better infrastructure, workforce and transport links to help Tees Valley thrive in the global economy and attract more investment and jobs for local people.”
Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Council, Cllr George Dunning, said: “The proposed combined authority would provide the five local authorities and business with the opportunity to strengthen their relationship and secure any future devolved powers and funding from central Government.”
Unlike most combined authorities, a Tees Valley Combined Authority would hold joint meetings with the Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and its business representatives, while also sharing staff and resources - elevating partnership working between public and private sectors to a new level,
The proposal has already received strong backing from business leaders in the form of The North East Chamber of Commerce, the CBI and the Institute of Directors.
Sandy Anderson, chairman of Tees Valley Unlimited, said: “It is important that business is engaged from the very beginning of the process and its support is vital to the future success of a Combined Authority.”
Cllr Bill Dixon, vice-chairman of Tees Valley Unlimited and leader of Darlington Council, said: “This Combined Authority proposal will now be sent for approval by each local council involved and we are confident it will gain the support of people in Tees Valley.”
The consultation process is due to start on December 10 and last until the end of February when details will be available on TVU and all five council’s websites.
A submission will be made to Government soon after.
If successful the Combined Authority is expected to come into operation in Autumn or Winter of 2015.
James Wharton, Conservative MP for Stockton South, welcomed today’s announcement. He said: “I back this bid and will give it all the support I can. Where we work together across our area we have shown we can deliver and this will put that on a formal long term footing.”
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