Rayner pledges to transfer powers to councils as part of ‘devolution revolution’

The new Labour Government has said its doors are open to areas which want to get in touch and take on devolution for the first time.

Ms Rayner has written to council leaders, who are not currently subject to a devolution deal, to urge them to “partner with the Government”.

This comes ahead of the King’s Speech on Wednesday, in which mayors and councils are expected to be handed more control over skills, energy, planning and transport, including bus routes and fares.

In the letter to local leaders, Ms Rayner wrote: “For too long, Westminster government has tightly gripped control and held back opportunities and potential for towns, cities, and villages across the country.

“Last week, with the Prime Minister, I had the pleasure of meeting the metro mayors in England. We discussed how to have a proper, grown-up conversations around economic growth, and how to deliver that through better housing, skills, and jobs for local people.

“I want to work with more places to help them use these enhanced powers and roles, because I want to drive growth in every part of the country.

“For any area considering it, now is the time to take the plunge and speak to us about how we can work with you to transform your regions.”

Voters in some large cities in England elect mayors with regional responsibilities for transport, housing, and in some cases policing.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Rayner held a meeting with 11 regional leaders, including Labour’s London mayor Sadiq Khan, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, and the only Conservative mayor, Tees Valley’s Lord Houchen.

Sir Keir told them at the meeting on July 9 that he wants to build “a real partnership” with them.

The Government has pointed to Greater Manchester, which has had devolved powers since 2014, as an example of a region succeeding as a result of devolution.