Consultation on the North East Devolution Deal concluded on March 23. Kevan Carrick, co-founder of JK Property Consultants, outlines his response to the consultation, his thoughts on its structure and the benefits it will bring in terms of regeneration and job creation.
It is now more essential than ever for a cohesive strategy and delivery of economic regeneration to grow the regional economy. I am in broad agreement with the revised arrangements for the Combined Authority, in particular the proposal for a Mayor, the Mayoral Combined Authority and the councils, working together.
The proposal to confer transport functions and new transport related functions to the combined authority makes sound sense. A comprehensive approach will achieve economy of scale, allow better movement around the region and equalise the cost across urban and rural areas to provide a better service.
The proposal that the transport provision also establish a strategy to provide better parking facilities with renewable energy provision to charge hybrid/electric vehicles, makes clear sense. Such provision can provide an improving property asset and, together with a transport strategy, lead to a sensible transition to zero carbon, overtime.
I support the proposal to confer housing and planning functions from central government.
There needs to be a comprehensive plan to deliver a much greater number of houses to meet need, including to support the economic growth of the region and increase jobs.
This must be across both greenfield and brownfield sites, including a strategy to change the culture towards living in towns and city centres.
This will require a comprehensive plan for mixed use development, not limited to housing only. Examples are the masterplans, on which I advised for the growth of Hartlepool and Middlesbrough town centres, including provision for balanced communities to meet the needs of all ages.
Also, provision is essential to encourage innovative design and construction to achieve carbon net zero and essentially to reduce energy costs for occupiers to make the accommodation much more competitive for both residents and businesses.
The proposal to confer additional finance functions on the enlarged Combined Authority, is also to be applauded, as there needs to be a wider provision for finance and investment.
In addition to transport, a strategy for economic regeneration and property development is essential to create a long-term stable property market in the region linked with the growth of the regional economy. This needs collaboration with business and investors to create a faster and more comprehensive growth of the region.
I back the proposal to move skills, employment and adult education functions to a North East Mayoral Combined Authority.
There is a need for skills in the construction sector to ensure a fast track for retro-fit of existing buildings and those skills that will arise as innovation is achieved in new construction methods to achieve net zero carbon.
The provision should be extended to help startups and the growth of SMEs. This region has the lowest start up rate of 3% of SMEs in the UK. a burgeoning SME sector is crucial to help to improve the economic growth of the region. The funding of the UK Prosperity Fund is said to be 60% of the amount of funds available under the EU provisions. More effective use of this funding is essential and a strategy is necessary to target and facilitate growth through partnerships with business, academia and service providers such as the successful North East Business Innovation Centre (not for profit).
The region has a wealth of successful and innovative businesses. Growth of our economy needs strong collaboration amongst the public, private, academic and third sectors.
Finally, and most importantly, good leadership is required to harness the combined strengths, deliver change that benefits the whole community and improves wellbeing and the lives of those who are disabled, sick, in poverty, or who are homeless
