At least two new city regions will be unveiled in the 2009 Budget, chancellor Alistair Darling revealed in his pre-Budget report. The Government has pledged the devolution of greater responsibility for planning, housing, transport, regeneration, employment and skills and economic regeneration to the city region. Plans for the regions will be voluntary and tailored to the region. Local government minister, John Healey, has no plans for more local government reorganisation. He told LocalGov.co.uk his priority was to ‘make sure the new nine are up and running', ensure they have improved services and made the expected cost savings.