Former transport minister Lord Adonis has welcomed plans by councils in the North East to work together on skills, transport and economic development.

Speaking today at the launch of the North East Independent Economic Review, Lord Adonis said it was ‘imperative' for the North East to create ‘more and better jobs'.

The review highlighted five key priorities for the region, including a commitment to double the number of youth apprenticeships, big improvements in transport infrastructure and the need to champion the North East around the rest of the country and abroad as a magnet for trade, tourism and investment.

‘I strongly welcome the decision by the seven local councils to set up a combined authority focused on skills, transport and economic development,' Lord Adonis said.

‘The combined authority should be set up next April, no later,' he added. ‘Its immediate priorities should be youth apprenticeships, the introduction of smartcard ticketing – like London's Oystercard – to make bus and metro travel easier and cheaper, and support for companies particularly in growth sectors like automotive manufacturing, marine services and life sciences.'

The chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, James Ramsbotham, said: ‘The Adonis review is an important document that, if used correctly, could help shape our economic future and represents an opportunity for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership to make a clear statement on priorities and highlight barriers to economic success.'