As the Cities and Local Government Bill makes its way through the houses of parliament, with elected mayors proving a sticking point, in cities and counties across the country, local authorities will be working out their case for a devolution deal.  

The progress made to date on decentralisation has to a large part been driven by the tireless campaigning of the Core Cities group, with cities working together to make the case for the further devolution of powers and responsibilities to their local areas, for the benefit of both local residents and the national economy.