THERE was a positive reaction from business and civic leaders across the Tees Valley today MON, OCT29 at the announcement the area could be given key fund-raising powers.

Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton councils have been given the chance to bid for a “city deal.”

That means leaders in the Tees Valley have to come up with ideas and proposals on what they would do with greater powers over tax, spending, welfare-to-work, transport and regeneration projects.

The Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership will take the lead and hope district will be able to raise the profile of the area if the bid is successful.

Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister, who announced both the Tees Valley and Sunderland have been invited to bid for new powers under the City Deals programme, said:  “I want Tees Valley to come up with ambitious and innovative proposals to help them make changes that will be felt by everyone across their region.”

Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said:  “The potential City Deal for Tees Valley offers a real opportunity for securing investment to boost our local economy. We look forward to working with colleagues to make the strongest case possible.”

North East Chamber of Commerce’s director of policy, Ross Smith added: “The North-East is a huge asset for the UK economy but has the potential to deliver far greater economic returns.

"These deals will give two more parts of the region the chance to demonstrate that. 

"Newcastle’s successful City Deal bid included some hugely exciting elements and it is excellent news that similar schemes could be up and running in Tees Valley and Sunderland soon.”

Redcar MP, Ian Swales said: ‘’For too long we have had key decisions made in London or Newcastle.  There is enormous potential in our area and we have unique heritage and culture. 

"I campaigned for the Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership and its success has shown what we can do.”

Apart from Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield already have City Deals.

It does not mean there is more money for the various areas, but it does mean there will be greater powers locally to decide how and where Government money is spent.