“The days of asking Whitehall’s permission are over,” declares North East Mayor Kim McGuinness today.
Time will tell if she is being premature and overly optimistic but there’s no denying that this is a significant day with Prime Minister Andy Burnham announcing the biggest transfer of power, funding and responsibility from Westminster in a generation.
Mayors will get to keep a share of income tax and business rates revenues as part of the growth agenda - although Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and a couple of his Reform counterparts say they are more inclined to use the extra revenue to provide tax rebates for voters.
Will that be allowed?
And in the small print of today’s devolution announcement is the news that the size of the civil service will shrink as a result. Yes Prime Minister, as Sir Humphrey would say!
Elsewhere, there’s the news that Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service has been rated ‘inadequate’ at responding to fires and other emergencies.
Let that sink in. A fire service. Rated inadequate. At responding to fires and other emergencies.
There’s also the tale of the football club who are on the naughty step for taking the mickey out a fan who prefers strawberry daiquiris to pints, the amateur cricketer who has amassed 7.5 million views just by clicking his fingers, action stations at Crown Works Studios, and the rubbish question of how closed does a bin lid need to be.
Yes Prime Minister
We knew it was coming, but today Andy Burnham will announce the biggest transfer of power, funding and responsibility from Westminster in a generation.
Mayors will get to keep a share of income tax and business rates revenues so regions benefit when their economy grows - and there will be new powers for areas further back on the devolution road.
The measures are designed to loosen the Treasury’s firm grip on the money that flows out to local areas and are being framed as a way to boost growth and give regions greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services.
“I know what it’s like to be ignored by politicians in Westminster,” said the Prime Minister. “I’m not going to make that same mistake now I’m PM. Under our plans, more of the taxes raised in a community will stay in that community. Soon, every local leader will have the power and resources to improve public transport, build homes and create jobs.”
The changes will start from next spring when mayors will begin retaining a greater share of business rates. More details will be given in the next Budget.
The final line in the Government press release caught my eye, however, and anyone who has seen an episode of Yes Minister will know why: “As powers move out of Westminster, the Civil Service will become smaller and more strategic, focusing on the responsibilities that are best exercised at a national level.”
Now, what would Sir Humphrey do after reading that?
More please
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness is, not surprisingly, enthusiastic about today’s devolution announcement. “The days of asking Whitehall’s permission are over,” she said. “We can now just get on with the job and improve the lives of people here in the North East, now and for generations to come.
“We’re changing the North East for good, and much greater financial freedom is the first step. This means we can do more to support hard-pressed families through things like cheaper Mayor’s Fares and childcare grants; it means we can grow the Metro and rail network, build more council homes and open youth clubs to give young people the opportunities they deserve regardless of their background.
“Now we can step up and market the North East to the world as a visitor destination and a place to invest, creating new jobs as we do so by helping our people and businesses thrive and grow.”
The Sunday Times told us there would be a big devolution announcement today. In something akin to getting your retaliation in first, the mayor wrote to Chancellor John Healey a couple of days ago to make the case for extra support for the North East as it is “starting from a different position to many parts of the country after decades of industrial change and underinvestment”.
There were four specific asks in her letter to the Chancellor including a “place-based participation deal” bringing together employment support, 16–19 education, careers services and relevant health and growth funding in an integrated approach.
She also asked for powers to be devolved by default from arms-length national bodies like Homes England, the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank, and faster devolution of money and powers to retrofit the region’s housing stock.
Rebate debate
Not all mayors are aligned in their thinking on what is called fiscal devolution. Ben Houchen, the Conservative mayor of Tees Valley, and two of his Reform counterparts, would like to use the money to lower the tax burden for their voters, according to The Times.
“Every mayor is backing fiscal devolution because they want more money to spend in their area,” Houchen said. “However, if the Tees Valley is handed a slice of local income tax and business rates generated locally, I’ll create a new rebate scheme to put money back into people’s pockets and let families keep more of the money they earn.
“Fiscal devolution must be about giving places like Teesside the power to do things differently, back growth and reward the people that drive our local economy instead of squeezing every last penny out of them.”
Luke Campbell, the Reform mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, and Andrea Jenkyns, the Reform mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, are said to be exploring similar proposals.
Direct appeal
Don’t forget about councils when it comes to direct funding, says Newcastle leader Colin Ferguson. More funding for mayors risks “changing who we need to go cap in hand to” instead of “allowing us to get on with the job”
“We need to talk about councils like Newcastle and the meaningful devolution of powers and fiscal responsibility going to local communities,” he said.
Nicholas
Treasure Darlington
Prime Minister Andy Burnham held his first meeting at No 10 North a week ago - now Chancellor John Healey is being encouraged to make full use of the established Darlington Economic Campus (DEC) and ensure it is used as an example of regional devolution in action.
The Treasury says Healey is strongly committed to the site and plans to visit soon - with former Darlington MP Peter Gibson saying he hopes he spends more time there than Rachel Reeves, who was there for just two days in 2025.
The campus has been hailed as a “thriving hub” by council leaders, with 1,925 civil service roles based in Darlington across 10 government departments. Around 350 Treasury staff are based at DEC - almost 20% of the department’s staff.
Bridget in the chair
Sunderland MP Bridget Phillipson, who lost the Education portfolio but remained as Equalities minister, has been appointed Chair of the Labour Party.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has tasked her with driving a “culture change” within the party. Her remit includes preparing the party for the next election and modernising its digital campaigning.
Darlington MP Lola McEvoy has been reappointed a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. And Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy has been given a job as a PPS to Matthew Pennycook, a minister in the Housing, Communities and Local Government department.
‘Inadequate’ at responding to fires
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service is to be closely monitored by inspectors after being rated ‘inadequate’ at responding to fires and other emergencies.
Chief inspector Michelle Skeer said: “I have concerns about the performance of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks. I have serious concerns about the service’s standards for response, values and culture, training and skills and equality and diversity.”
The performance of the organisation was graded across 10 areas and rated ‘inadequate’ in five, ‘requires improvement’ in three, ‘adequate’ in one area and ‘good’ in another.
Studio action
Work is expected to begin in the autumn on the first phase of the Crown Works Studios after a revised planning application was submitted to Sunderland City Council this week.
The first phase is intended to establish Crown Works as a regional hub for high-end television and film production, while acting as a catalyst for future development across the wider site.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “We’re on the verge of blockbuster films and smash hit TV being filmed here on the banks of the River Wear. I can’t wait for our brilliant creatives, both in front of the camera and behind, to be first in line for the opportunities that Crown Works Studios will bring.”
Alison Gwynn, chief executive of North East Screen, said: “The timing of these developments could not be better. Adding essential studio infrastructure means we can attract a much wider range of productions, and open up more opportunities for local crew and suppliers.”
Fly-tippers caught
A company director was one of three men from Middlesbrough convicted of fly-tipping at Peterlee Magistrates Court. The waste found at Leamside in County Durham contained roof tiles, plastic guttering, drainpipes, pallets and sheets of hardboard.
When interviewed by a neighbourhood warden, Baily Patrick George Baldwin, the sole director of Delta Rooflines NE Ltd, asked: “How do I make this go away so it doesn’t go to court?”
High-ly disappointed
A charity trying to save the High Borrans outdoors centre at Windermere has said it is disappointed it had not been consulted ahead of North Tyneside Council’s decision to close it. Friends of High Borrans member Brooke Lemm said the charity was willing to apply for grants and continue its work helping to run the centre.
“The centre should remain open not just simply for nostalgia but the whole ethics of that outdoor experience,” she said. “It helps children develop functional life-skills - teamwork, independence, confidence, listening, working with each other - they’re fundamental for life.”
Pint of order
Ricky Gervais says offence is unavoidable in modern comedy, so he no longer cares if people are upset because their reaction can’t - and won’t - dictate what he writes or performs. Basically, somebody somewhere will be offended by any attempt at humour.
I was reminded of that when I read the story about the football fan who was having a matchday drink with his mates - and ordered a strawberry daiquiri.
Billingham Town’s social media said the fan would be “banned for life” and had been “reported to the Northern League, The FA, and Cleveland Police”. A follow-up post, which has since been taken down, said the club had planned a “public trial” of the fan as “half-time entertainment”, and was shared with what appeared to be an AI-generated image of gallows on the pitch.
The post drew complaints and Durham County FA said it was investigating. The club said the post was part of an “ongoing light-hearted narrative” about the fan’s daiquiri drinking and said it was “proud that our recent content has brought smiles to millions of people around the world”.
A quick word
A rare early painting by celebrated North East artist Norman Cornish, Colliery Row, has been donated to Northumbria University. The university holds the Norman Cornish Archive and possesses the largest single collection of Cornish’s paintings and works on paper in the world. The cost of demolishing the A167 flyover in Gateshead has risen from £18 million to £31 million. Why do we keep getting these infrastructure costs so wildly wrong? The two-day Seaham Food Festival starts tomorrow with celebrity chefs, artisan producers and street traders. TV chef Matt Tebbutt headlines the cookery demonstrations and is joined by Bake Off: The Professionals judge Cherish Finden, Shelina Permalloo, Cyrus Todiwala, Francesco Mattana, Oli The Choc and presenter Chris Bavin. Speed bumps in Redcar are being replaced at a cost of £9,000 after complaints they would regularly clip the underside of cars, regardless of the speed they were travelling. Stockton International Riverside Festival returns for its 39th year today with another packed weekend of free outdoor performance, transforming the town centre into a stage for street theatre, circus, dance and music. There has been a 70% uptake in attendance at a sheep shearing course at a Northumberland farm after the Home Office said this will be the last year it will allow shearers from Down Under to spend three months in the UK. The Planning Inspectorate has overturned Durham County Council’s decision to reject an application for a 63-hectare solar farm and battery storage system in Haswell Plough. Another proposed solar farm, at Wagtail Lane, Craghead, which was rejected by Durham County Council, can now go ahead after a decision by the Planning Inspectorate. Sunderland Reform councillor Glenn Gibbins has been charged with posting a grossly offensive comment on social media in connection to a comment referencing the Nigerian community. An Amazon drone has crashed into a garden in Darlington while delivering a package. A spokesperson said its initial assessment suggested an “object extending above the roof of a moving vehicle inadvertently came into contact” with the Prime Air drone. George Clarke and comedian Chris Ramsey have signed up to take part in Gladiators: Celebrity Special which will be screened on BBC 1 later this year.
Knats not all
“Dad, you know my mates who have a jazz band?” I nodded vaguely. He may have mentioned them before. “They’ve just been nominated for the Mercury Prize.”
Head swivel. What?
Jazz collective Knats have indeed been nominated for the prestigious prize for their second album A Great Day In Newcastle.
Sam Fender won the prize in Newcastle last year. The award ceremony returns to the city in October and the North East has two chances of retaining the award because JADE has also made the shortlist with her album THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! (she does like her capitals).
Sir Paul McCartney, 84 years young, Olivia Dean, Suede, RAYE, Florence and the Machine and Nia Archives are among those in contention.
BLOCK party
Newcastle’s NOVUM Festival returns on August 7 with another invitation to look at the city a little differently. Across three days, streets, squares and public spaces will host free performances, installations, music and family activities, alongside some striking large-scale artworks.
This year’s programme includes Motionhouse’s gravity-defying BLOCK, the percussion-led energy of Possê, North East collaboration The Fabric of Us and the much-anticipated Dominoes Newcastle finale, which will see thousands of breeze blocks topple through the city in an extraordinary chain reaction.
You'll also find Bird Rave, silent disco walking tours, interactive art, roaming brass bands, family play zones and creative workshops, making it easy to dip in for an hour or spend a whole day exploring.
David Whetstone’s interview with Julian Maynard Smith, the man behind Dominoes, is here.
It’s not cricket
A video clip of a cricket match in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League has been seen more than 7.5 million times on Twitter and has been reported on by news outlets all over the world.
The film appears to show a Saltburn cricketer click his fingers to make it sound like the ball hit the edge of an opponent’s bat. The batsman was then given out after ball was caught by the wicket keeper.
The fingers on social media are now all pointing at the Saltburn club and the fielder who has been dubbed ‘Clicky Pointing’ - which is amusing if you know that Ricky Pointing is the name of a famous Australian cricketer.
I’m not going to name the guy. He has suffered enough by being suspended, losing his curry house sponsorship and being subjected to a double-page spread in the Daily Mail.
Business bites
Blueberry iced matcha lattes, picnic food and a wider range of salads have helped Greggs weather Britain’s summer heatwave. First-half revenues rose 7.2% to £1.1 billion and pre-tax profits increased by 20% cent to £76 million. Newcastle-based Winn Group, which employs around 750 staff, has reaffirmed its committment to the North East after reporting annual growth which saw turnover rise more than 10% to £217 million. Storelectric has acquired more than 600 acres of industrial land in Teesside, marking another significant step in the company’s plans to develop long duration energy storage (LDES) projects at Tees Energy Park. North East property investment firm Develop North has provided a £1.95 million funding facility to the company regenerating the former Hawthorn Leslie shipyard in Hebburn. Barry Holmes of Hebburn Riverside Development said: “This investment unlocks the wider regeneration of an iconic riverside site and allows us to begin transforming land that has stood dormant for decades into a thriving new community.” North East-based wholesaler Kitwave has acquired Charles Saunders, one of the largest family-owned foodservice companies in the South West. Listed North East business Hargreaves Services has reported a surge in profit before tax from £17.5 million to £40.3 million. Revenue was up from £264.4 million to £351.4 million. A review into the Middlesbrough and Hartlepool development corporations will be completed by the end of September when Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen will make a decision on their futures. London-headquartered Real Estate Investment Trust Landsec has entered into exclusive talks to acquire the Metrocentre in a deal though to be worth more than £500 million. On Monday we reported that plans for a landmark office block behind Newcastle Central Station have finally been submitted for approval three years after they were first unveiled (Stotties, pollution and GDV). Now a planning application has been submitted to build 79 homes in the Accelerated Development Zone at Stephenson Quarter.
1978 ad break
The winner of Steve Gibson’s #AdWorldCup was announced in last week’s edition (Eyes & Ears 24.07.26) but one of the early favourites for the non-trophy was the classic Hovis ad Boy on a Bike which was released in 1973 and directed by Ridley Scott, no less.
Many people assumed the ad was filmed in the North, but the venue was the Dorset market town of Shaftesbury - although the music, the Largo from Dvořák’s New World Symphony, was performed by the Ashington Colliery Band.
Despite me telling you all of that, this isn’t the Ridley Scott award-winner - it’s the Two Ronnies’ parody version which was screened five years after the ad was first broadcast.
THE WIDER VIEW
Can social care ever be fixed?
Fair play to Andy Burnham. He hasn’t shied away from grasping some big nettles. The Big Conversation on Care is the latest attempt to fix England’s broken social care system. Getting a handle on this issue has been attempted no fewer than 22 times since the 1990s.
The new Prime Minister has vowed that this time they’ll find the right answers. But what might these be – and will the tough choices on how to pay for it lose Labour votes? Five experts from The Conversation give their views here.
Case not closed
Three bins with one thing in common - they were not emptied by binmen in Stockport who have been ordered not to empty bins where the lids are not closed properly. These were deemed to be not closed properly. Families have been kicking up a bit of a stink about the situation.
As always, fantastic summary of North Eastern goings-on! Well worth subscribing to. Just a note that the George Clarke (and yes: I assumed it was the Sunderland-born architect etc) in Celebrity Gladiators (BBC have cancelled Celebrity Mastermind… dumbing down of the BBC anyone?!) is a young YouTuber from Bristol and not our local George. Keep up the good work!!