English mayors, including the North East's Kim McGuinness, are set to keep a share of taxes collected in their area under new devolution plans brought forward by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The move has been billed as the largest transfer of power and money out of Westminster in a generation, with further details expected in the autumn.
However, the devolution settlement will not allow the North East Strategic Mayoral Authority to push ahead with dualling the A1 in Northumberland. Ms McGuinness has backed the plans and pledged to lobby the Government to deliver the scheme, which was scrapped under Keir Starmer in 2024.
A1 decision remains with Government
Asked whether the new money would allow the mayor to progress the road scheme, a spokeswoman for the mayoral authority said: "The announcement today does not change things on the A1. The control and management of the national road network - motorways and trunk roads - remains with the Government."
Dualling just 13 miles of the A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham would cost more than £500 million. Upgrading the entire route to the Scottish Border is likely to run into the billions.
Renewed calls for upgrade
The previous Conservative Government gave the Morpeth to Ellingham leg the green light before the General Election, but the timing drew heavy criticism. The Labour Government later scrapped the scheme in 2024, claiming it was unfunded and unaffordable. Increasing traffic and a spate of fatal collisions on the road this year have since reignited calls for the work to go ahead.
The Chronicle and Journal are heading a new campaign to dual the A1, backed by a coalition of political, business and community leaders. A petition launched alongside the campaign has secured nearly 2,700 signatures.
Ms McGuinness and Glen Sanderson, the Conservative leader of Northumberland County Council, have written a joint letter to ministers asking for the decision to be reconsidered. She said the new devolution policy would allow her to "do more to support hard-pressed families through things like cheaper Mayor’s Fares and childcare grants".
"It means we can grow the Metro and rail network, build more council homes and open youth clubs to give young people the opportunities they deserve regardless of their background," she added.
