Responding to the Chancellor's Spending Review, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
"For too long, spending and investment has been rigged in this country against the people of the North East. But that is now changing.
"This is a transformative moment for our region, with investment that will create jobs, build new affordable homes, transform our public transport and grow our industries.
"We secured £1.85bn for North East transport, which will extend the Metro to Washington and restore our iconic Tyne Bridge. As well as £30m for science and research.
"I’ll be starting work with the Deputy Prime Minister on the details of the North East’s dedicated 10-year growth fund, which I will use to unlock world-class opportunities for our region that will benefit people of all backgrounds.
"Our public transport system will prioritise local people over profits. I’ve already committed to keep single bus fares in the North East capped at no more than £2.50 until the end of the year. I was pleased to see the Chancellor cap bus fares at £3 until March 2027 and I will be looking at ways to keep our fares low for longer.
"We’ll see more spades in the ground with an enormous boost for social housing in the North East, creating the genuinely affordable homes local people need.
"I’ll keep working with the Chancellor and fighting to channel more investment into the North East."