Government Says Yes to North East ‘super council’

A new ‘super council’ consisting of seven North Eastern local authorities has been given the green light from the government.

 

While the ‘super council’ will not replace the seven local authorities in the area, it will instead abolish integrated transport authorities and its roles will be absorbed into one. The idea is that collaborating on transport and skills together will make for an improved service at a better value.

 

The new body would consist of Durham CC, Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, Northumberland CC, South Tyneside Council and Sunderland City Council.

North East Chamber of Commerce chief executive, James Ramsbotham, said: “Our LA7 local authority leaders must be applauded for resolving the issues that had threatened to derail plans for the Combined Authority.

 

“The councils’ actions will ensure that the North East LEP area is on an even footing with the likes of Greater Manchester (which is already benefiting) and several other English city regions that are planning to do the same.”

 

The news follows the Liverpoool ‘super council’ folly last month where the new formation gained bad rep due to councils bickering over the name.