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“As this report highlights, awarding funding in small pots on a competitive basis has created uncertainty and hindered councils’ ability to plan strategically for their communities.

“It is encouraging that today’s Queen’s Speech has signalled a renewed energy in favour of English devolution."

The LGA is calling on the Government to use the Queen’s Speech to bring forward “turbo-charged” proposals for devolution that give all councils across country the power to meet the challenges and opportunities facing their communities over the coming decade.

Millions of people living in rural England are at risk of being “left behind” and missing out on their fair share of future prosperity following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, council leaders warn today.

“Levelling up is at the heart of what councils and combined authorities want for their communities and they have a critical role to play in achieving the 12 national missions set out in this wide-ranging white paper."

“Turning levelling up from a political slogan to a reality will only be achieved if councils have the powers and funding they need to address regional inequality, tackle concentrations of deprivation and make towns and communities across England attractive places to live, work and visit."

"On the back of this report, councils and parliamentarians should now unite to ensure the Government’s upcoming Devolution and Recovery White Paper brings forward at pace a new devolution settlement for England, led by councils and their local communities.”

Commenting on the Government’s new Levelling Up Fund announced in today’s Spending Review, Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chair of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board said:

“We support the measures announced today to boost cities, towns and regions - this is good news for local communities and businesses seeking to improve their prospects."

"The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the strength of councils' local leadership and the benefits that come from national and local government working together in partnership."