Meeting: |
Developing Consensus Meeting and Christmas Social |
Venue: |
Twenty Twenty Bar, Newcastle |
Date of meeting: |
26.11.25 |
1: Welcome and Update
Presenter: Sandra Manson (DC Chair and Pegasus Group) and Nick Gholkar (DC Deputy Chair and Ward Hadaway)
Sandra walked through the upcoming activity of Developing Consensus and recapped feedback from the member workshop and what has been put in place since. A copy of this document can be found within the Member’s Area.
Nick highlighted that a key part of member feedback was the facility to be more reactive and ensure DC’s voice is heard within key consultations and through collaborative events. To fund this, member’s fees will be revised and proposed changes will be put to members.
Nick also walked members through how to access online documents through the Member’s Hub on the DC website.
2: Budget and North East Combined Authority Developments
Presenter: Phil Witcherley, Executive Director for Economy, Innovation and Culture at NECA
Budget
Phil outlined a number of key developments from The Budget which had been announced a few hours earlier. In early renditions of the Chancellor’s speech the North East had been given a specific mention.
Key topics for the region included the tourism tax and local growth fund.
Spatial Development Strategy
Louise Sloan in her new role within NECA assisted Phil with answering questions and talking through the SDS (Spatial Development Strategy.)
The Mayor is keen to get the SDS in place ASAP and the team are working to a 12 month deadline. Louise was keen to emphasise to all that there is only one consultation for the SDS, which means there is only one opportunity for the private sector to feed into the plan.
Louise emphasised that this must be a plan led by our 30 year aspirations, not just short term goals, and must link to a pipeline of investment and infrastructure delivery which will also feed down into local plans.
An event will be held in January to consult with the private sector on the development of the plan and more details will be shared with DC members of how to get involved in due course.
Louise once again emphasised the importance of us coming together as both public and private sectors to ensure this is a plan which secures and strategises the future of our region.
UK REiiF
Plans are still to be confirmed for UK REiiF, however Phil expects the Newcastle-Gateshead development zone, AI Growth Zone and our Port’s clean energy initiatives to play an important role.
Further Key Points
- Phil further highlighted developments within AI and the AI Growth Zone and the first place where Government partner OpenAI is involved. NECA is working to ensure businesses and skills within the region are supported through this AI transition.
- Phil also highlighted the growing importance of our emerging sectors including the North East Space Skills and Technology Sector and our defence and security sectors.
- A question was raised about the focus of the Mayoral Investment Fund. Phil described how the Treasury requires confidence in their return on investment which is why the focus is on big-ticket investment projects
- A further question was raised about the resource and delivery capacity of North East Combined Authority, given its current scope of work in light of the SDS. Phil emphasised that delivery is only possible through partnerships which requires time for engagement and that our success is based upon us collaborating and working together to go in the right direction.