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Queen's Speech 2015: 'Metro mayors' able to replace PCCs Queen's Speech 2015: 'Metro mayors' able to replace PCCs
(35 minutes later)
Directly-elected "metro mayors" will be able to undertake the functions of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England, under plans included in the Queen's Speech.Directly-elected "metro mayors" will be able to undertake the functions of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England, under plans included in the Queen's Speech.
PCCs were introduced under the former government to replace the 41 police authorities in England and Wales.PCCs were introduced under the former government to replace the 41 police authorities in England and Wales.
But the new government wants to give their powers to mayors, as part of wider plans for devolution to cities.But the new government wants to give their powers to mayors, as part of wider plans for devolution to cities.
The mayors will also have the option to be responsible for local bus services.The mayors will also have the option to be responsible for local bus services.
In her speech, written by the government, the Queen said the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill would "provide for the devolution of powers to cities with elected metro mayors, helping to build a Northern Powerhouse".In her speech, written by the government, the Queen said the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill would "provide for the devolution of powers to cities with elected metro mayors, helping to build a Northern Powerhouse".
Greater Manchester will be run by an elected mayor from 2017 as part of those plans, with an interim mayor taking on the role in the meantime.Greater Manchester will be run by an elected mayor from 2017 as part of those plans, with an interim mayor taking on the role in the meantime.
One of the people to put their name forward to be interim mayor is Tony Lloyd, who is already the area's PCC. The other contender is Lord Peter Smith.One of the people to put their name forward to be interim mayor is Tony Lloyd, who is already the area's PCC. The other contender is Lord Peter Smith.
In his first post-election speech, Mr Osborne said Greater Manchester would become a blueprint for other large cities.In his first post-election speech, Mr Osborne said Greater Manchester would become a blueprint for other large cities.
Cities or "combined authorities" that have a directly-elected mayor will also be given greater powers over housing, transport, planning and policing.Cities or "combined authorities" that have a directly-elected mayor will also be given greater powers over housing, transport, planning and policing.
Under the Buses Bill, combined authority areas with directly-elected mayors will be given the option to be responsible for the buses, in the same way as London Mayor Boris Johnson.Under the Buses Bill, combined authority areas with directly-elected mayors will be given the option to be responsible for the buses, in the same way as London Mayor Boris Johnson.
The government said this would allow cities to "promote an integrated transport system, supporting the growth and development of their areas" with passengers and service at its heart.The government said this would allow cities to "promote an integrated transport system, supporting the growth and development of their areas" with passengers and service at its heart.
The Queen's Speech also outlined the government's intention to press ahead with legislation that will eventually enable work to start on the £50 billion HS2 high-speed rail scheme.The Queen's Speech also outlined the government's intention to press ahead with legislation that will eventually enable work to start on the £50 billion HS2 high-speed rail scheme.
A second HS2 phase, taking the line north of Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds is also planned, with a finishing date of around 2032/33.A second HS2 phase, taking the line north of Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds is also planned, with a finishing date of around 2032/33.
However, separate legislation is needed for this phase and as yet, the exact route has not been determined.However, separate legislation is needed for this phase and as yet, the exact route has not been determined.
The plan for greater devolution of powers to cities has already been welcomed by George Ferguson, the directly-elected mayor of Bristol.
He would have greater powers under the proposals.
"It is time for us to modernise and move away from being one of the most centralised countries in Europe," he said earlier this month.
"As Britain's main drivers of growth, our cities are severely hampered by having too few financial and legal freedoms and receive far too little of the benefit of their actions."
Robert Alden, leader of the Conservative group in Birmingham, said the devolution plans had cross-party support there.
"Birmingham City Council is so much bigger than the surrounding authorities and there is often a fear they will be amalgamated," he said.
"But I think we need the leaders of the bigger councils to be grown up and work together with the district and shire councils, who are absolutely needed to be part of this as well."
He said there were a number of options for the areas West Midlands devolution could cover, which may or may not include Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry and their surrounding areas.