The government is facing criticism over its plan to allow regional mayors to keep a share of income tax and business rates in England.

Andy Burnham says that the proposals, expected to be phased in from next April, will give metro mayors powers to invest the money in their communities for public services.

The prime minister said on Friday that this amounted to "the biggest shift of power out of Whitehall and Westminster" to regions across the UK.

But Lord Houchen, the Conservative mayor of Tees Valley, argues he should be able to offer taxpayers a rebate instead, while opposition parties say the plans could lead to areas with weaker economies losing out.

"The prime minister has said he wants to alleviate the cost of living [crisis] and give people room to breathe - what better way to d