Rayner reaction: Pushing power out of Westminster welcome, but fiscal devolution needs to follow, says IPPR North

The influential think tank, IPPR North, has reacted to today's speech from Angela Rayner outlining the new devolution white paper.

Zoë Billingham, director of IPPR North said:

“Today the Deputy Prime Minister has shown that this government is taking devolution seriously as a tool to improve living standards and strengthen democracy and accountability.

“The new devolution framework paired with additional powers for mayors on strategic planning, housing, transport and skills moves more power out of Westminster, and this is to be welcomed.

"With local government reorganisation looming large today, we stand ready to work with the local and central government to work out how large local authorities can stay close and get closer to their communities.

"Next we would like to see commitments to exploring fiscal devolution, to mature the model of devolution and allow regional leaders to make more big calls for their areas. All in all, today's tough calls represent a leap ahead for pushing power out of Westminster”.