Ministers could give mayors control of schools and hospitals in devolution shake-up

Steve Reed’s new role as local government secretary gives him control of government’s devolution bill, which gives local leaders greater freedom over how they spend their money. Photograph: Alamy/PA

Ministers are drawing up plans to give mayors significant new powers over hospitals and schools as part of a new wave of devolution that could change how public services are run in England.

Steve Reed, the local government secretary, wants to give mayors control over many more local services, and is weighing up handing over some NHS services and even parts of the criminal justice system.