Devolution is having its moment in the sun. From the chancellor’s commitment to northern powerhouses, to Ed Miliband’s plans to devolve powers to city regions, to the deputy prime minister’s ‘Northern Futures’ consultation, the future of places and particularly cities is riding high on the agenda.

But politicians always talks most about devolution before an election, and much less afterwards. So how much of the very welcome debate we’re hearing now is likely to translate into change on the ground – and what more do local areas need to do to make sure this happens?

First, we need to keep the pressure on for parties to be bold.