Right now, the UK is a jumble of places subject to a patchwork approach to governance, funding and powers. This follows years of competitive funding rounds and selective, inconsistent approaches to devolution. The whole has been left less than the sum of its parts.

All of us who work with local and regional government know there is huge potential waiting to be unleashed – self-sustaining, resilient communities with safe homes, social infrastructure and education that leads to secure jobs and good lives for all.