Last year the Prime Minister set out the Government’s intention to take a flexible approach to devolution, so that local leaders in our historic towns and counties, including in rural areas, are given the tools to make things happen for their communities. County Deals will offer the rest of England similar powers as metro mayors over functions such as transport, skills and economic support and allow communities to come together and feel pride for the place they live. A mayor will not be a pre-requisite for a new devolution deal although the Government does believe that high-profile, directly elected leaders (such as a mayor) will be most effective for levelling up: providing a single point of accountability to local citizens, acting as a champion for their areas and attracting investment and opportunity to their places. As such, the most comprehensive devolution package will only be available to areas with a directly elected mayor. The Government will consider other governance proposals that increase stability and strengthen local leadership over a sensible geography. It will also look to allow mayors to use different titles, appreciating that alternative terms may feel more fitting particularly in more rural areas. The devolution framework sets out different levels of devolution dependent on governance, in which devolution deals can be negotiated with areas who are not choosing a directly elected mayor.