John Prescott has announced the first three referenda on regional elected assemblies, which will cost £165m to set up and run.
The first three areas to vote, probably in autumn next year, will be the North East, the North West and Yorkshire & Humberside.
Interest in these regions was sufficient to go ahead, the deputy prime minister said, but enthusiasm in the Midlands and South West fell short of what was necessary.
Interest was also not as strong in the East and South East and it was lowest in the West Midlands.
The Financial Times says the powers on offer strategic control of transport, housing, planning and the environment will be far less than devolutionists want.
But, critically, the assemblies will have control over the regional development agencies. The Daily Telegraph says Prescott’s dream of devolution could become a huge nightmare.
References: Financial Times 17/06/03 page 4, page 23, The Times 17/06/03 page 8, page 19 (Leader), The Daily Telegraph 17/06/03 page 1, page 21 (Leader)
