Durham joining North East devolution deal ‘good news’ for Sunderland

Commenting on the announcement that County Durham will seek to be part of any future devolution deal and new North East Metro Mayor, Leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats on Sunderland City Council Niall Hodson said:

"County Durham joining the plans for a North East devolution deal is definitely good news for our city. With a new Metro Mayor likely to have powers over things like transport, jobs and culture it makes sense to avoid a border between Sunderland and Durham.

"Extending the area covered to include County Durham will also pull political influence south of Tyneside giving Wearside a bigger voice at the table. This is crucial if we are to avoid Newcastle dominating regional decision making.

"For too long Sunderland has been second best on the likes of jobs, investment and Metro services, while the existing Newcastle-based Police Commissioner has done absolutely nothing for Wearside. People in Sunderland wouldn't want more centralisation of powers and money on Tyneside with our city failing to see any benefits.

"As always with these things the devil will be in the detail. Wearside Lib Dems still believe that it is only right and fair that once the deal is announced people in Sunderland are asked whether or not we want to be governed by - and pay for - a new politician before a new metro mayor is imposed upon us."