The EEF (www.eef.org.uk) is urging newly elected councillors to put behind them the “prevarication and parochialism that has so far stymied progress on rolling out devolution across England”.

Instead, “the focus must now be on taking ownership of the delivery of successful devolution from central government”.

The call forms part of the EEF’s submission to the BIS Select Committee inquiry on the subject. The manufacturers’ organisation says: “Devolution has a clear role to play in strengthening the local business environment, but local decision makers must set aside their differences, come together and sign a deal with the Government, so they can get on with making the transport and infrastructure investments needed to boost local economies.”

Chris Richards, senior policy adviser at the EEF, said: “Manufacturers recognise that devolution has a clear role to play in strengthening the business environment to make it more fertile for firms to thrive.

“While having a vested interest in the outcome of devolution, manufacturers and other business leaders have skills and experience that will add significant value to local decision making. It’s vital that this is recognised and they are actively engaged in the crucial months ahead, as the stable foundations for future growth are set in place.”