Governing a region: Structures and processes of governance in North East England

Public services in the North East of England are managed and provided by th e traditional institutions of government and, now, by a large number of une lected bodies. The growth of these unelected bodies has led to increasingly fragmented governance, a lack of local accountability and lack of transpar ency. Almost all the institutions of governance in the region, both elected and unelected, are run by, predominantly, middle-aged (or older) middle-cl ass men. Accountability needs to be restored and developed, building on a r einvigorated local government. In addition, to help ensure public services are sensitive and responsive to local needs, they should be run by people w ho are representative of the diversity of the community.