County bosses have been slammed for refusing to sign up to a North East devolution deal – and the cash which could come with it.

The Government has dangled the prospect of hundreds of millions of pounds for transport improvements if the region agrees to the creation of a new mayoral authority.

But despite the tempting carrot on offer, Glen Sanderson, the leader of Northumberland County Council (NCC), remains lukewarm on the proposals, preferring instead the “informal” structures currently in place.

Scott Dickinson, leader of NCC’s opposition Labour group, said: “This is a classic example of not acting for the greater good.

“His own Government has said no cash will come the North East’s way until a devolution deal is signed covering both sides of the Tyne.

“The leader says he doesn’t want to be forced into a deal on the promise of funding, but my guess is the average person in the street wants this badly needed investment in our area.

“Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face.”

Northumberland formed the North of Tyne Combined Authority along with Newcastle and North Tyneside in 2017 after the trio broke away from the North East Combined Authority (NECA).

The new entity is led by an elected mayor, Labour’s Jamie Driscoll.

Last month’s budget saw Teesside and Greater Manchester, both of which have mayors, benefit from a £7 billion boost to public transport outside London, while the North East missed out.

But ministers have said new powers – and the cash which goes with them – will only be handed to the region when a new devolution deal is agreed covering at least all of Tyne and Wear.

The Government has also raised the prospect of single counties being allowed to pursue solo devolution deals, an option County Durham, currently still a part of the rump NECA, is believed to favour.

Speaking at the most recent full meeting of the county council, Coun. Sanderson outlined his concerns about a new devolution deal.

He said: “The offer on the table is provisionally that if we do become an [combined authority of seven North East councils], with a mayor to cover the whole area, that we might be eligible to get extra transport funding.

“I’ve made it clear that actually the way we work together at the moment is very good – it’s informal, but we work very well together and myself and the other leaders have a very good working relationship.

“I don’t see the need yet to commit Northumberland to a larger authority, unless I’m absolutely convinced that Northumberland would benefit from it and at the moment I’m not.”