Communities and Local Government written question – answered at on 7 March 2012.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to devolve power to cities and towns in the North East.
The Government are taking considerable steps to devolve power to cities and towns both in the North East and across the country.
We have introduced the Localism Act giving councils the general power of competence that enables councils to do anything that an individual might, apart from that which is specifically prohibited.
We are committed to devolving powers to elected mayors, to ensure that our biggest cities are genuine drivers of economic growth, for the benefit of both the city and the surrounding area. In May, we will see referendums on elected mayors in 10 of our largest cities including Newcastle. However, the option to have an elected mayor is not restricted to cities; councils can resolve to move to the mayoral model or hold a mayoral referendum in their area.
We are also working to deliver a series of 'city deals'. We have invited the core cities and their wider economic areas to negotiate the devolution of the specific powers, resources and responsibilities required to meet locally-determined economic and social objectives. In return, cities will need to accept a proportionate degree of risk and demonstrate a strong governance structure.
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