Discussions on city devolution and creating a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ have moved a step further, with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne confirming that the Queen’s Speech will contain ‘a bill to enable a radical new model of city government’
Chancellor Osborne’s speech states:
We will hand power from the centre to cities to give you greater control over your local transport, housing, skills and healthcare. And we’ll give the levers you need to grow your local economy and make sure local people keep the rewards. But it’s right people have a single point of accountability: someone they elect, who takes the decisions and carries the can.
So with these new powers for cities must come new city-wide elected mayors who work with local councils. I will not impose this model on anyone. But nor will I settle for less.
