Councillor Colin Ferguson

The Cabinet of North East Mayoral Combined Authority approved the North East MSA Code of Corporate Governance and agreed appointments to Transport for the North committees on 21/07/2026. The decision included adopting the Code of Corporate Governance and appointing Councillor Stephen Bowron and Councillor Steve Cox to the TfN Scrutiny Committee, and Councillor Mark Swinburn to the TfN Audit and Governance Committee. Kevin Bell was appointed as the MSA's Business Representative for TfN.

The Cabinet decided to approve £18.58 million of transport capital investments on 21/07/2026. This decision enables the payment of funding and the establishment of Grant Funding Agreements with respective scheme promoters. The approved investments include new and improved walking and cycling routes, new road crossings, and targeted improvements around schools.

The Cabinet of North East Mayoral Combined Authority approved recommendations on 21/07/2026. They agreed to publish the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, noted the housing funding landscape and partnership working, and approved the Mayor’s Plan for Homes for stakeholder engagement. The Cabinet also approved the Housing Delivery Fund Framework for the allocation of £143 million and delegated authority to the Chief Executive to approve the Programme Business Case and funding awards, and to develop and implement a regional homelessness prevention programme with £5.3 million grant allocation.

The Cabinet decided to note the provisional outturn for the financial year 2025/26 and treasury management outturn for 2025/26. They also noted updates relating to 2026/27, including receipt of new funding and the planned budget reporting timetable. The Cabinet agreed to transfer £1 million to the earmarked Pension Reserve and £19.4 million to the newly-created Interest Reserve.

The Cabinet of North East Mayoral Combined Authority decided to note actions taken to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis and support businesses with energy costs. They also agreed to push for continued government funding for the national bus fare cap and to accelerate the delivery of their Warm Homes Plan. The decision was made on 09/06/2026.