ew people realise that the UK is one of the most centralised welfare systems in the world. Whitehall controls healthcare, education, tax and benefits. Local government controls only social care and a few other minor services. It doesn't need to be this way.

The idea that the choice lies in either saving the climate or the economy is nonsense; dealing with the causes, effects and outcomes of climate change will provide a huge economic stimulus it itself. Which begs the question, what are they waiting for.

There is a real opportunity for a major step forward to a more decentralised and locally accountable state but this will requires not only Government action but more critically bold local political leadership. Mayors must exert their political authority on behalf of their communities and not wait for Ministers to hand them power!

Seven months is a long time in legislation. It was only last December that the Localism Bill was published amid a fanfare of radical decentralisation, communities "in control" and a "power shift" to those who know their areas best. New radical rights to draw up neighbourhood plans were unveiled and communities pricked up their ears and wondered.