THE implications of the North-East having an elected assembly were last night laid out at a meeting on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Councillors from Darlington and Hartlepool, union and organisation representatives and the public attended an address by Jona-than Blackie, director of the Government Office North-East, at Darlington Arts Centre.

The presentation, which was followed by a debate, focused on how an elected regional assembly (ERA) would operate in the region should the public vote in its favour at a referendum in November.

Mr Blackie said one of the biggest changes would be a move from two-tier local government in Durham and Northumberland to a single-tier system.

He said: "An ERA would then give the region powers to meets its own needs.

"It is about having a clear regional view. At the core of this is economic development."

Councillor Tony Richmond, Conservative leader of Darlington Borough Council, asked Mr Blackie to outline what responsibilities the assembly would have and questioned whether it would take powers away from local authorities.

Mr Blackie said: "This is about central government devolving to the region, not about powers being taken from or given to local government."

The assembly would be given responsibilities held by Government departments.

It would get power to make large planning decisions, determine where to make public investment in sectors such as tourism, health and transport, take responsibility for fire and rescue services and have a housing budget.

A £5m campaign is being launched across the region, as well as in Yorkshire and Humberside, to encourage people to have a say on assemblies.