Local authorities and the business community in the South West have called for more devolution in order to boost prosperity in their region.

Council leaders and business chiefs in Devon and Somerset have submitted a prospectus to Government in a bid for the devolution of more powers from Westminster.

They argue that if local councils in the South West were granted greater freedom to act, they would be able to deliver by 2030 an extra £4bn to the economy, 163,000 new jobs, and 179,000 more homes.

They also promise wage levels will be above the national average, better infrastructure, and 100% superfast broadband coverage.

This projected growth is, they argue, more than the three core cities of Birmingham, Bristol and Nottingham have delivered in total, together, over the last fifteen years.

Somerset County Council leader John Osman said: ‘This is a truly exciting opportunity for all the local authorities involved in this work. We have come together with the common aim of making the most of devolution for our residents and shared priorities around skills, employment and infrastructure.

The bid reflects our pride in what the region has to offer and our ambitions for its future potential. I look forward to taking the next steps with colleagues from across the South West.’

Devon County Council leader John Hart said: ‘We are presenting a united front to the Government and saying this is our vision for our region, let's negotiate on how you can help us to achieve it.

‘I firmly believe, as local people, we can do things more effectively and more efficiently locally than being told what to do by London.’