Martin Brookes

The Cabinet of North East Mayoral Combined Authority approved the draft Newcastle and Gateshead Mayoral Development Zone Strategic Regeneration Framework on 27 October 2026. The decision endorsed the framework and delegated authority to the Director of Finance and Investment, in consultation with the North East Mayor, to publish the draft for consultation, make minor amendments prior to consultation, approve final consultation materials, and make final amendments and publish the final framework after consultation.

The Cabinet of North East Mayoral Combined Authority approved the approach for the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority to become an MSA Apprenticeship Brokerage Pilot area on 27/10/2026. They delegated approval of the delivery plan, including deployment of up to £10m DWP pilot funding, to the Chief Executive in consultation with the portfolio holder.

The Cabinet decided to note the updated forecast position for 2026/27 and the Treasury Management update as at 30 June 2026. This decision was made on 22 September 2026.

The Cabinet decided to approve the allocation of £8.095m for a Post-16 Sufficiency Capital Programme and the award of 14 Grant Funding Agreements with 13 statutory providers of 16-18 education. This decision was made on 22/09/2026. The approved funding will support the creation of at least 1,638 additional 16-18 learner places across the North East MSA.

The Cabinet decided to approve the North East Rail Vision and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with industry partners. They also delegated authority to the Director of Transport to finalise the MoU terms and to the Chief Executive to make minor changes and publish the Vision documents. The Cabinet also approved the strategic risks, scoring, and proposed management actions.