Greater Manchester's MPs will publicly scrutinise mayor Andy Burnham under new arrangements agreed as part of the latest handing over of powers. The new devolution deal which was agreed last month gives the Labour mayor more control over technical education, housing standards and local trains.
The government also agreed to give Greater Manchester a single funding settlement which gives the mayor more of a say over how money is spent rather than having to bid for separate pots of cash for specific projects. However, in return for these new powers, Mr Burnham and the 10 council leaders will now be subject to scrutiny by MPs as well as local councillors.
The 65-page document, which was signed on March 21 commits to allowing MPs who represent Greater Manchester constituencies to scrutinise the mayor and other portfolio holders - which includes council leaders and the deputy mayor - in public, broadcasted sessions held four times a year. These sessions could take the form of Grand Committees, which are forums for all MPs representing a nation, such as Scotland or Wales, to meet in Parliament.
