DEPUTY PM Angela Rayner will pledge today to make devolution the “default setting” for councils, shifting power from Whitehall to local authorities.

In a speech to regional leaders, Ms Rayner will outline plans to ensure regional powers, including on housing, are “no longer agreed at the whim of a minister in Whitehall.”

It comes after ministers warned they would step in if plans to build more prisons, wind turbines and homes meet opposition at a local level.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the policy will allow local leaders to “guide” development, as the government aims to build 1.5 million homes.

The devolution white paper, set for release today, promises to embed devolution into governance, ending reliance on ministerial approval.

“Our white paper will be a turning point,” Ms Rayner is expected to say.

“It’s a plan for growth, living standards, and stability, putting politics back in the service of working people.”

Labour’s proposals include creating “strategic authorities” to bring together councils in areas where people live and work and “give regions a bigger voice.”

Councils will also be mandated to meet housing targets, using brownfield-first strategies and reviewing greenbelt land.