CAs cave in over directly-elected mayor

摘要

Combined authorities fighting for a devolution deal on the same scale as Greater Manchester will have to cave in to government demands for directly-elected mayors, according to the latest negotiations. Sheffield last week followed Manchester with a devolution deal of its own but it fell short of expectations and the area has been told to strengthen local governance if it wants a substantially improved city region deal in the future. The Government has refused to hand Sheffield direct control over substantial revenue streams and much of what has been offered to Manchester is missing from the deal. Whitehall said it would 'consider what further powers and funding could be devolved in response to any further agreements on local governance'.