Big question:can combined authority bridge ricalry?

摘要

Rivalry leading to animosity between the towns and cities of the north-east is legendary. "Stand up if you hate Sunderland" chant the Newcastle United fans. In the English Civil War Newcastle was Royalist and Sunderland Parliamentarian. Centuries later a nickname for someone from Sunderland is a "Mackem" and from Newcastle a "Takem." The origin is in shipbuilding rivalry. It was therefore no surprise in 2004 when north-easterners rejected in a referendum an elected regional assembly. But central government still proposes co-operation. Under the 2011 Localism Act, neighbouring councils can set up "combined authorities" to make decisions on transport skills and inward investment. Christine Eade explains how they work.