The proposed merger of Newcastle and North Tyneside councils would diminish rather than enhance devolution

Against the backdrop of talks to create a North East of England shared local authority and moves by London councils to pool certain elements of back-office functions, a suggestion that Newcastle and North Tyneside Councils should merge has been made. It came from the Newcastle Liberal Democrats, and was met with hostility from local figures in the political world. Here, John Fenwick argues that this proposal would diminish rather than enhance devolution.