Social Value Ideas for North East Combined Authority

Bus reform consultation launched

The authority has launched a region-wide consultation on bus reform, with the mayor making clear that the aim is to bring buses under public control because current services are unreliable, expensive,…

“Um, it's a big day for the region today actually as we launch a consultation on bus reform. Our buses are in desperate need of improvement. Whether yo…”

£200m transport investment package

Cabinet approved a £200 million transport investment package, part of a wider £800 million minimum three-year transport improvement programme. The package includes ferry infrastructure, smart ticketin…

“item five. uh is uh another really big moment for the region as we um lay out this Region's plan for growth um this is a vision that I think the whole…”

£18.58m local transport plan

Cabinet approved a capital investment package for the mayor's local transport plan covering safer school travel, active travel, cycle schemes and path maintenance across the region. The report indicat…

“Item five is uh delivering on the mayor's local transport plan. So, this is again really positive. We're making it safer to get around the region. Tha…”

Transport capital package approved

Cabinet approved a substantial transport investment package spanning station completion, active travel, bus priority, fare subsidies, accessibility work and EV charging infrastructure. The report indi…

“So, we're now on to the next item, which is delivering the local transport plan. As always, we've got a very substantial transport item coming up that…”

Transport plan allocates major funding

Cabinet agreed allocations from the £1.85bn transport settlement to deliver specific schemes across the region, including the Tyne Bridge restoration, Shields Ferry landing, bus services, EV charging …

“Well, first of all, thank you very much. I have got some announcements to make before I open the agenda formally. ... We talked about the fact that it…”

Draft Local Transport Plan

Cabinet endorsed consultation on a draft North East local transport plan setting a 2040 vision for greener, integrated transport, including publicly controlled buses, Metro expansion, active travel, E…

“item six is the Northeast local transport plan now this is a really exciting item um that is all about a 2040 vision for transport in the Northeast to…”

Regional transport package approved

Cabinet approved a transport package worth £13.9 million, including bus stop upgrades, accessible station improvements, EV charging infrastructure and preparatory studies for future schemes. The packa…

“We are determined to improve transport in this region. It's what so many people get in touch with my office about. I know it'll be what people get in …”

Youth fares extended

The mayoral fare scheme for young people was extended, including the one-pound fare for under-22s and the wider mayor's fares offer until 2026-03-31. Members linked it to increased youth travel, acces…

“Which is why we're extending the one pound ticket for for youngsters under 22 as well as the 2 pound50 cap. That's 50 p cheaper than the national cap.…”

Approve accounts and audit timetable

The draft accounts were published on 30 June 2026, public inspection runs to 11 August, external audit is due to begin in early September, and final audited accounts will return to committee in Januar…

“The draft accounts are for information today. Um, they were published on the MSA's website on the 30th of June and the public inspection period began …”

Strong year-end surplus

The authority reported a strong 2025-26 outturn, including a revenue surplus on corporate overheads and a larger accounting surplus in the draft accounts. Management said the additional surplus was dr…

“The key financial message is that the authority remains in a strong financial position with the revenue budget for corporate overheads and related inc…”

Draft budget and settlement framework

Cabinet considered the draft 2026/27 budget and medium-term financial plan, based on an anticipated integrated settlement worth at least £1.7bn from April 2026. The plan includes over £800m capital in…

“So the budget sets out how by 2029 we'll have worked together to invest 2.5 billion pounds in the northeast. That is a huge number. Some of that is fu…”

Regional housing delivery package

Cabinet approved a major housing delivery programme combining national housing delivery funding, social and affordable homes funding, homelessness prevention and a new delivery unit with Homes England…

“Item six is accelerating the delivery of new homes in the northeast. And this is a really important paper for us. Look, we are really, really proud of…”

Brownfield housing fund boost

Cabinet approved an additional £17.6 million for the Brownfield Housing Fund, extending the programme to unlock more unviable brownfield sites and support delivery of more than 700 homes. The funding …

“The Northeast Bramfield Housing Program has unlocked land already for almost 3,000 new homes across our region. And in fact, myself and Michael were i…”