To the Members of Parliament, Local Councils, and All Stakeholders in the North East,

The North East Combined Authority (NECA) was a step towards greater regional governance, but it falls short of providing the democratic representation and real power our region needs. We propose transforming the NECA into a North East Executive, a directly elected body with substantial legislative and fiscal powers, to better serve the interests of the people in our region.

Why Reform is Necessary:

Undemocratic Structure: The current NECA lacks direct democratic legitimacy. A directly elected North East Executive using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) method will ensure true representation and accountability.
Ineffective and Irrelevant: The NECA's limited powers and lack of autonomy make it ineffective in addressing the unique challenges of our region. A reformed North East Executive will have the authority to make impactful decisions on healthcare, education, housing, and environmental policy.
Economic Disparity: The North East remains one of the poorest regions in the UK. Empowering a regional executive with fiscal autonomy will allow us to better manage resources, attract investment, and drive economic development tailored to our needs.
Proposed Reforms:

Direct Elections: Implement direct elections for the North East Executive using the STV method to ensure proportional representation and fair governance.
Expanded Powers: Grant the Executive legislative powers over key areas such as healthcare, education, housing, and environmental policy.
Fiscal Autonomy: Provide the Executive with mechanisms for fiscal autonomy, enabling better management of regional finances and resources.
Incorporation of Tees Valley: Include the Tees Valley in the reformed governance structure to ensure comprehensive regional representation and unified decision-making.
Our Vision:

We envision a North East Executive that is democratic, empowered, and effective in addressing the needs and aspirations of our region. This transformation will enable us to build a stronger, more prosperous, and self-sufficient North East.

How You Can Help:

Sign this petition to show your support for reforming the NECA into the North East Executive.
Share this petition with your friends, family, and networks to spread the word.
Engage with your local representatives to advocate for this much-needed change.
Together, we can create a governance structure that truly represents and serves the people of the North East. Let’s make our voices heard and push for the reform our region deserves!

There shall be a North East Executive.