Mayor leads ‘power grab’ by big cities

Mr Johnson’s “historic and significant” plan would give the leaders of England’s biggest cities powers over tax and spending similar to those devolved to Scotland.

The cities, representing around half the population of England, are demanding control over property taxes including council tax and stamp duty in their areas, rather than allowing the money to flow to Treasury coffers.

London has joined forces with the “Core Cities” Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield in the power grab.

The authorities are calling for control over council tax, stamp duty, land tax and business rates with the ability to keep the revenues rather than relying on central government grants.

The cities claim this would provide stable and continuous funding to stimulate economic growth according to local needs.