Cllr Simon Henig, chairman of the North East Combined Authority, said: “The North East Combined Authority welcomes the focus on devolution in the Autumn Statement and I have written to the Chancellor to request an urgent meeting with all of the North East leaders to further our proposals for devolution to the area.
“With a population of two million people and an economy generating £30bn each year, this area has significant opportunities for further growth.
“We believe our proposals have wide public support, with evidence suggesting that the public’s appetite for devolved funding, powers and responsibilities is greater here than in any other part of the country.  We have a proven track record for working together and we believe the time is now right for significant devolution in a number of areas including employment, skills, housing and transport.”