Views on how much power elected mayors should wield are being canvassed from residents, businesses and charities within the twelve English cities set to vote in referendums next May.

Cities minister Greg Clark yesterday launched a consultation for the twelve mayoral cities comprising Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Coventry, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Nottingham, Sheffield and Wakefield.

Commenting on a proposed ‘bottom up' approach in which cities suggest the powers they wish their mayors to hold, Mr Clark said: ‘Every city has its own unique needs, identity and character.

‘There's no such thing as a ‘one size fits all' mayor – they should be able to do whatever it takes to get to grips with the local challenges and help their city flourish.'

This acknowledges - according to the consultation document ‘What can a mayor do for your city?' - the need for ‘flexible, decentralised policy solutions' enabling cities to tailor policies relevant to their own particular circumstances.

Respondents have until 3 January 2012 to put forward how powers transferred to elected mayors would benefit their city and its people and why the mayor would be the most appropriate level for devolving responsibility. 

Separate discussions are being held with the eight core cities of Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield and their Local Enterprise Partnerships to identify key policy areas for supporting economic growth.

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