Here’s the announcement. Can’t say I know what it means – I’ve no idea precisely which powers are being devolved from central government to Greater Manchester, but I’ll be interested to find out.

The ten local authorities in Greater Manchester have signed a groundbreaking deal, giving the area more powers and responsibilities devolved from central government. The agreement will unite the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities behind a formal arrangement. It was signed by Lord Peter Smith, the chair of AGMA, and Phil Woolas the Minister for the North West, at a ceremony in Bury.

There have been extensive discussions about the deal since the Chancellor announced the Manchester City Region pilot in his Budget in April. It recognises the role of Greater Manchester as a focus for national growth.