Devolution Mayors to get powers to stop planning delays

Mayors will be given sweeping powers to unblock planning delays for major building projects in England, Angela Rayner has announced, as she promised a "devolution by default" approach to handing down authority from Whitehall.

- Jessica Elgot

The pledge set out in the white paper, which is to be unveiled this week, will give regions more planning powers over housing numbers and will identify developments and infrastructure needed to support growth, from roads to major junctions, water reservoirs, freight and logistics.

The document will propose creating strategic authorities across England to hold new devolved powers, though the organisational shake-up is likely to cause a backlash from smaller district councils.