THE region would be far more economically successful if it had greater power in its own hands, according to research published today.

It suggests that, if an elected assembly in the region took control of areas like the economy, skills, planning, housing, transport, culture and crime reduction, people would see a big improvement in their day-to-day lives.

The research has been conducted by John Tomaney, of the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies at Newcastle University. He spoke to 25 regional directors of Government-funded bodies, such as the development agency One NorthEast, the Lottery Heritage Fund, Sport England and Northern Arts.

Many of the directors, who between them spend about £1bn a year, reported that they were being given more regional strategies but they were being frustrated by a lack of co-ordination and vision within the North-East.

The research was commissioned by the North-East Regional assembly, an appointed body of local councillors and representatives from business, unions and the voluntary sector.

Regions Minister Nick Raynsford said yesterday that the Assembly would receive extra cash this year to increase its scrutiny of One NorthEast. Its counterpart in Yorkshire will receive the money to review its development agency, Yorkshire Forward.

Tony Flynn, chairman of the North-East assembly, was yesterday presenting the research to members of the Northern Group of Labour MPs.

He said: "We have economic and social problems which need to be tackled with vision and a strong will. A body representing our region, with power to identify and solve problems, would be a powerful and inspirational force for change."

Mr Tomaney's research will be published in September in time to influence the debate on the Government's White Paper on devolution to the English regions which is due before the end of the year.