Devolution plans to be unveiled by Chancellor

Osborne, speaking in Manchester, is expected to claim how the old model of running politics solely from London is ‘broken’ and has made the public ‘feel remote from the decisions that affect their lives’.

Last year, leaders of Greater Manchester’s ten councils agreed to the areas first mayoral election. Councils in Manchester currently control £5bn of public money each year, but are expected to gain control of further £2bn in 2017.

The city will now elect a mayor in two years time to take on particular devolution powers, and will act as a blueprint for further changes across the country - particularly in Scotland and Wales. As part of the devolution plan, only cities that elected their own mayor would be given control of local transport, housing, skills and healthcare.

It is believed that a Cities Devolution Bill will be in the Queen's Speech later this month.

Nationwide devolution hopes have been increased in recent weeks following Prime Minister David Cameron’s decision to replace Eric Pickles as communities secretary with Greg Clark.

Clark, who had an important role ensuring the Greater Manchester devolution deal is a prominent advocate of decentralisation and a strong supporter of elected mayors. It is still unclear what role Pickles will now hold in government.