THE Mayor of Greater Manchester will call on the Government to increase the speed and scale of devolution in a meeting today, Wednesday.

The UK's seven regional and city-wide Mayors will meet for the first time in London to discuss the importance of devolution with them believing it will boost economic growth and improve public services.

Greater Manchester Mayor and former Leigh MP Andy Burnham will argue for more control in public services such as skills, training and apprenticeship services and influencing programmes to get back to work.

He said: “Through devolution we have the best chance we will ever get to do things differently and take control of our own future.

"It will be city-regions working together that drive the quickest and most progressive change in the future which is why today’s meeting is so important.

“As we leave the EU it is vital that people here have the right skills to get on in life and drive our economy."

Another issue that the mayors would like greater control over is financial dealings such as taxes and revenues in their towns and cities rather than relying on Government grants which they hope will lead to growth and job creation.

Mr Burnham added: "The Government must urgently increase the speed of devolution and fully devolve skills powers and the ability to allocate the apprenticeship levy.

"It is time to give us the tools we need to change the lives of the people we represent.”