60 per cent of England covered by devolution deals

According to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, 60 per cent of the English population will now live in an area covered by a devolution deal.

The announcement comes after a devolution dal was signed with Devon County Council and Torbay Council.

Two years ago, when the levelling up plan was published, 41 per cent of the population was living in devolution areas.

The stats show that 90 per cent of the North (14 million people) and 55 per cent of the Midlands (6 million people) are covered by devolution deals. This is up from 62 per cent and 26 per cent respectively, compared to two years ago.

Nine of England's ten largest cities are now covered by devolution deals.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: "This historic devolution milestone shows our commitment to spreading opportunity more equally across the country – empowering local leaders to take control on matters that mean most to their communities and improving local people’s lives.

"And to support their plans we’re providing billions of pounds in new funding for the long term, helping people to feel the benefits of these changes for years to come."

Image by Roman Grac from Pixabay