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Make your voice count in the North East Mayoral Election!

The new North East Combined Authority offers an opportunity for investment and connection to make the North East a great place to live. Whoever is elected in the upcoming election must make children a priority in their decision-making, to give children here the best opportunities in life.  

It now seems indisputable that the political landscape of the UK is going to change significantly in the coming months. But whilst many eyes are focused on the general election – which must happen by January 2025 – for the North East, elections taking place on the 2nd of May are set to have a huge impact on the future and prosperity of our region.  

What is the North East Combined Authority? 

Unlike other city regions like Manchester, Liverpool and the West Midlands, up until now, there hasn’t been a devolved mayoral authority covering the whole of Tyne and Wear. Whilst other city regions have had significant investment made in their regional infrastructure, and the power to make big changes – like bringing buses back into public ownership – the North East has lagged behind.  

But finally, from May this year, a new combined authority covering the whole of Tyne and Wear, as well as Durham and Northumberland will be formed, led my an elected regional mayor.  

What powers will the Mayor have?  

The Devolution Deal, as it is called, signed by Westminster and the seven Local Authorities, will hand over powers and significant investment, with a 30-year commitment to strengthen and develop the region.  

This includes the power to make decisions about infrastructure and spending on public transport and active travel – cycling and walking – with over £500m of funding available for this, and power to make decisions about planning such as housebuilding and development of land for business, shopping and leisure. It also includes the adult education and skills investment being coordinated at a regional level. The mayor is also likely to have some additional investment it can use for other priorities they identify for the region, and to apply to the national government for further funding if there is a clear case for investment.  

This deal is being badged as a ‘trailblazer’ by the national government, with an additional focus on using innovation and technology to improve public services, a new Coastal and Rural Taskforce, and specific funding earmarked for redeveloping parts of the West End of Newcastle, and a new film and TV studio in Sunderland.  

The deal is set to be worth £4.2 billion over the next 30 years.  

What will this mean for babies, children and young people?  

Children North East is asking all candidates running to be mayor to make sure children are a priority. This means making public transport accessible and affordable for families so children growing up in households without access to a car don’t miss out.  

We want to ensure decisions about housebuilding make sure families can access affordable homes when children can be safe and warm, free from damp, mould and overcrowding.  

We’re asking the next mayor to make sure post-16 education pathways ensure all young people have access to training, opportunities and jobs which reflect their talents and ambitions, and have good, well-paid job prospects in the region.  

Finally, we want the next mayor to continue work begun across the North of Tyne to focus on tackling and alleviating child poverty and the barriers it creates for children, especially in making the most of education and opportunities.  

Who are the candidates?  

There are six candidates running for the regional mayor. Each has a website where they have published a manifesto, a document setting out what they would do if elected.   

If you want to learn more about the issues that matter to children and young people, our Change Now report shares the voices of over 35,000 5 to 25 year olds on themes such as education, health, culture and services.