Q&A: What does devolution mean for the Tees Valley?

1. There are two devolution bids for the North East and two Combined Authorities - why not just have one?The Tees Valley has a distinct and unique economy and has proved that specialised work is required for economic development. Proposals have therefore been put forward for the Tees Valley area as five local authorities. The combined authority will work closely with colleagues in the North East on many issues.

2. What are the negotiations that have been taking place? The five authorities that form the combined authority have been in negotiations with the government since the submission of the Tees Valley Powerhouse Plan in September. The government has questioned what it will get in exchange for the £450 million extra funding it is investing in the area.

Councillors say they have achieved the best deal they could get for Tees Valley, not only in terms of extra money but also on the powers that are being devolved.

3. Will the Tees Valley have an elected Mayor?There is a requirement for a directly elected Mayor to work alongside local authority leaders to oversee the new powers. However, individual councils will keep their Council Leader/Elected Mayor who will still lead on the many service areas not affected by devolution.

4. How will the Mayor work with Leaders?The Mayor will be a member of the Combined Authority along with the leaders of the individual authorities. The Mayor will chair the Combined Authority which will work on the basis of consensus but where necessary there will be majority voting.

5. Will we have an interim Mayor?There are no plans for an interim mayor.

6. Will we be able to have a referendum on whether we want a Mayor or not?No, there is a requirement under devolution legislation to have an elected Mayor.

7. What happens if the devolution deal is not agreed by all the local authorities?The devolution deal would not progress to the next stage of implementation but the councils would continue to progress their plans for a Combined Authority.

8. Some other areas are taking on responsibility for the Police and Crime Commissioner and Health Services. Would this be considered in the future?This is not part of the current deal, although further powers may be agreed over time and included in future legislation.

9. What does devolution mean in practical terms?The deal aims to bring more new jobs to the area, at a quicker pace, across a range of industries and ensure that local people have the skills to take up these new jobs. There is also recognition of the need for improvements to road and rail links.

Furthermore, it is hoped it will lead to better school attainment for young people; schools and colleges will equip pupils with better skills, providing them with the qualifications they need to thrive in the modern world. There will be more apprentice opportunities for those starting off in their careers. It would also enhance the area's cultural facilities and increase tourism.

The Plan will help businesses to grow, increase exports and build further on the region's strengths in green energy, chemicals and innovation.

10. Where is the guarantee that the deal will be in place for the 30 years?The deal is a legal document which provides security. The 30 year period iscommon to all of the devolution deals so far.

11. What difference will devolution make to the steel industry in the Tees Valley?What has happened with SSI will have a significant long term impact on both the people and the economy of the Tees Valley. While there is not a direct impact of devolution on the steel industry, there is a specific point in the deal about the Government working with the Tees Valley Combined Authority in the future to soften the impact of significant industrial closures on the local economy. Part of this will involve developing a plan to help economic recovery.

12. What happens next?All the five local authority leaders are signed up to the deal in principle,but it is subject to formal consent by each council. Meetings will take place shortly.

The target date for having an elected Mayor and devolving the powers is May 2017.