Negotiations have begun on a series of devolution deals between ministers and local authorities in the wake of the publication of the long-awaited Levelling Up White Paper. However, there are early signs the Government’s flagship policy may have already been holed below the waterline.

Earlier this month, levelling up secretary Michael Gove told the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC): ‘The more power is exercised closer to people, the more responsive the delivery of public services will be, and the more we can address the injustice and inequality that holds people back.’