Local authorities could soon be in the driving seat. Across the country, ‘devolution deals’ are being signed that give regions more power over how our taxes are spent on transport, housing, healthcare and skills.

But what do these deals really mean? Will they support local economic growth, help build a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ and shrink the North/South divide? Or are they just a way for Central Government to pass responsibility for austerity measures onto local councils?

With deals already signed by Greater Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield, will devolution help improve integration, efficiency and long-term planning, or have deals been made too quickly? Where do smaller cities and towns fit in?

Join us and our expert panel at the Great North Museum for this FREE event to discuss the dash for devolution and what’s in it for the North.

This event is part of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)'s 21st Century Challenges discussion series. Anyone with an interest in the topic is welcome to attend.

Agenda:

17:00 Doors open (tea and coffee available)

18.00 Panel discussion starts

19:00 Audience Q&A

19:30 Panel discussion ends. Networking drinks.

20:30 Networking drinks end. Close.

Speakers:

Peter Hetherington (Chair), Guardian journalist and Chair, Town and Country Planning Association

Chi Onwurah, Labour Member of Parliament for Newcastle Central & Shadow Minister for Culture & the Digital Economy

Andy Pike, Professor of Local and Regional Development, Newcastle University

Andrew Lewis, Deputy Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council

Prof. Paul Salveson MBE, General Secretary, The Hannah Mitchell Foundation

Contact: 
Tel:  0207 591 3000 (RGS-IBG switchboard)
Email: Amy Lothian 21cc@rgs.org
Twitter: @21cc

The event is organised by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). Registered charity no.208791

Regional event partners

Angel of the North image credit: Dan Shirley, Flikr