National Audit Office (NAO) -
This report argues that whilst devolution deals offer opportunities to stimulate economic growth and reform public services for local users, the arrangements are untested and government could do more to provide confidence that these deals will achieve the benefits intended. It also highlights significant accountability implications arising from the deals which central government and local areas will need to develop and clarify. These include the details of how and when powers will be transferred to mayors and how they will be balanced against national parliamentary accountability.