Business leaders have called for ‘meaningful decision-making powers' to be devolved to local authorities to help boost left-behind regions.

A new report from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said local government needed more resource and powers around infrastructure, planning and transport.

BCC chair Martha Lane Fox said the devolution of power and authority to those best placed to decide what works for their local economies had been 'too slow'.

She added: ‘In this digital age, and on the cusp of a new green industrial revolution, we must finally shift the balance.

'If we get this right, it will give our local economies, their businesses and communities the best possible chance to thrive in the 21st century.'