This week has seen chancellor Jeremy Hunt announce ground-breaking 'trailblazer' devolution deals as part of his Spring Budget.
More power will be handed to local authorities in both Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, allowing for extra control over transport, housing and education.
The deal means that local leaders across the region will be given a single pot of money to spend as they see fit, rather than hainge to make separate bids to the government over different projects.
READ MORE: Andy Burnham will get full control over his budget in 'trailblazer' devolution deal
The extra powers given to Greater Manchester will see the go-ahead for a fully merged public transport network, an integrated technical education system to give local leaders more influence over the labour market, and extra funding for building new homes and improving current housing.
Mayor Andy Burnham has said that leaders across the region are 'unanimous' in support of the deal, with Mr Hunt saying he has agreed to a 'long-term commitment' following months of negotiation.
Many readers have already shared their thoughts on the new deal, with one person responding positively saying:"I would rather elect our own local leader who can be judged by us, as opposed to what Westminster decide for us. Great opportunity for Manchester region."
Another reader shared similar thoughts, saying: "Before this it was someone from central London deciding on what gets funded/or the regions having to submit bids for money. At least now Burnham will be held accountable, and can decide what the money is spent on."
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Others reacted to the news about public transport, with one person responding: "Good news. More local control away from London. Not sure why it's going to take until 2030 to integrate the transport. More ambition is needed. Have it done by 2024/25."
Someone else also added: "Get this done and the transport network integrated and you'll have my vote."
However, there was some scepticism following the struggles of the Clean Air Zone project, with one reader saying: "Hope he [Burnham] doesn’t waste it like all the congestion signage costs fiasco. I wait to be convinced he’ll do anything beneficial."
There similar thoughts shared from other readers, with one adding: "Needs to find £60m to cover the cost of the shambolic attempt to set up a workable Clean Air Zone."
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