A devolved north can be trusted to thrive – just look at what we’ve achieved in the north-east already
- Jamie Driscoll is mayor of the North of Tyne combined authority
It is a truth universally acknowledged that whatever the problem, it is always someone else’s fault. Especially in politics. What, though, if there are some genuinely difficult problems to solve? Like why the north-east of England generates less wealth per capita than the south-east. Why 38% of our children live in poverty. Why our life expectancy is the lowest in England.
Michael Gove has just confirmed the government’s extended devolution deal for the north-east. It’s worth £4.3bn and covers transport and adult education, and includes a £1.4bn investment fund for economic regeneration. I’ve been working on it for three years and it’s the best-funded devolution deal in England. But will it fix what needs fixing?
