Prescott pushing for regional assemblies within three years

Referendums on forming the first English regional assemblies will be held within three years, John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, said yesterday.

He said polls to set up directly elected regional parliaments would be held before the next general election. The regional bodies, which would represent an English version of Scottish and Welsh devolution, would be responsible for economic, transport and housing policy.

Mr Prescott, speaking at a conference organised by the Campaign for the English Regions, did not give any indication of which regions were likely to be included in the first wave of devolution polls. But initial moves are expected in the North-east, Yorkshire and the North-west.

He said: "Some regions will not want a referendum and we will respect that. But I believe that there is a hunger for English regional government in several parts of the country. It is my firm hope and intention that the first referendum will take place before the next general election. This is a unique chance and the people's choice."

Mr Prescott, who is a leading supporter of devolving powers from Whitehall, said: "What's best for the region is what matters, so elected members will be able to involve people in a way that reflects the region's diversity.

"If they want to, the assemblies will be able to take advice from across the board, including from the public. After all, they are the ones who use the services, catch the buses and live in the houses.

"By taking a tailor-made approach that reflects regional needs, we can target resources more effectively, fostering local talent and benefiting local communities and economies. We want businesses not benefit offices," he said.

The Government launched an exercise to take soundings from the regions last year. The responses, which are expected to be completed by the beginning of next month, will help to determine which regions will be the first to press ahead with devolution.

Ministers will then announce the regions to be included in the first wave of devolution when the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill, currently before Parliament, is passed.