New powers for Manchester

GREATER Manchester is set to be given new powers in the Budget today.

Chancellor Alistair Darling is expected to name the city as a statutory city-region, or economic prosperity board (EPB).

At least two London-style city-regions will be announced in the Budget.

Mr Darling has said that EPBs could have powers over employment, transport, housing, planning and economic development.

Manchester is expected to join Leeds as a statutory city-region when the Chancellor unveils the Budget.

Last month Greater Manchester warned it would walk away from its bid to become a city-region if ministers did not deliver on their promises to devolve real powers over funding from Whitehall.