The announcement of an English Devolution Bill took centre stage in the King's Speech.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's flagship legislation - which promised ‘new powers for metro mayors and combined authorities' - was presented as a key plank in the Government's bid to grow the economy.

King Charles said: ‘Greater devolution of decision making is at the heart of a modern dynamic economy and is a key driver of economic growth.

‘This will support local growth plans that bring economic benefit to communities.'

The Bill will include a devolution framework of powers over strategic planning, local transport networks, skills and employment support.

Moving away from the last Government's approach of negotiating deals, local authorities will be granted powers if governance conditions are met and will be able to request additional powers.

‘Weighting' will be given to those areas that include a mayor and a ‘simpler process for creating new combined and combined county authorities' will be introduced.

The speech added that mayors of combined authorities would have a seat at a planned Council of the Nations and Regions alongside the Prime Minister and heads of devolved governments.

Director at the IPPR North think-tank, Zoë Billingham, said: ‘Alongside a new presumption of devolution, the new Council of Regions and Nations will ensure regional leaders have a voice at the top table.

'The devolution agenda has ratcheted up in ambition in the last 24 hours.'

However, general secretary of trade union Unison, Christina McAnea, questioned whether devolution efforts would stall due to a lack of resources.

She said: ‘Devolving powers can only help generate growth if local government receives sustainable, long-term funding and is able to retain expert staff.'

The District Councils' Network has called for more recognition of its members in combined authorities after proposals were rejected by the Conservative Government.

Chairman Sam Chapman-Allen said: 'We were delighted when Labour parliamentarians voted last year in favour of making district councils constituent members of combined county authorities during the passage of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. We want this principle to be maintained during a new wave of devolution.'

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner wrote to leaders of county and unitary authorities without devolution deals yesterday inviting them to come forward with proposals by the end of September.