Angela Rayner has sent a letter to council leaders in regions without devolved powers today, urging them to partner with the government and take on powers in areas such as housing, planning, and transport.

The deputy prime minister has pledged to work with local leaders “to deliver the most ambitious programme of devolution this country has ever seen”.

The new devolution agreements will give local leaders powers to make decisions on transport, adult education and skills, housing and planning, and employment support that benefit their communities, and boost economic growth.