14/05/2015

More Powers To Be Given To England's Cities

George Osborne is expected to outline plans to give cities in England more powers over housing, transport, planning and policing matters. It is understood the Chancellor will address the issues as part of his first post-election speech.

He is expected to say that Greater Manchester will take on such powers and elect a mayor in two years' time, becoming a blueprint for other large cities.

A Cities Devolution Bill will be included in the Queen's Speech later this month.

Osborne is also expected to stress that the government will deliver the devolution to Scotland and Wales it promised. As part of the devolution plan, only the cities that elected their own mayor would be given control of local transport, housing and skills.

He is die to say: "I will not impose this model on anyone, but nor will I settle for less. My door now is open to any other major city who wants to take this bold step into the future."

(JP)

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