We want your views on a new devolution deal that the government have proposed for the North East. The deal will see a new combined authority formed to cover the seven local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland. The new combined authority would be headed up by a Metro mayor and offers a potential £4.2bn of investment into the region over the next 30 years.
Gateshead Council continues to face a significant financial challenge. Following reductions in government funding, we have been forced to cut our budget by £179m since 2010 and to consider further reductions of £55m over the next five years. The Government assume and expect local authorities to increase Council Tax to bridge the gap. We welcome your views on the draft budget and Council Tax proposals.
