Though branded a historic devolution deal by former chancellor George Osborne, the North of Tyne Mayor will possess little substantive power: unable to legislate on housing or transport. With a paltry annual sum of £20 million to overturn the devastating effects of austerity, it’s doubtful whether the post can secure genuine change.
Local politics
London gets a better transport deal than anywhere else in the UK. Until regional transport systems achieve parity with the capital, ‘clean air’ congestion charges will isolate the poorest in society, for whom maintaining a car or taking taxis is the more affordable option.
