A BLUEPRINT for giving the North new transport powers will be unveiled within weeks, Nick Clegg pledges today (Thursday, September 18) – after the “shot in the arm” of the Scottish referendum.

Interviewed by The Northern Echo, the deputy prime minister vowed to fast-track devolution proposals over roads, rail and buses to ensure the English regions are not left behind.

Mr Clegg revealed his ‘Northern Futures’ project – to stimulate cross-party ideas for ending Whitehall’s grip on power – would reach conclusions by early November.

That will allow it to feed into a mini-Budget one month later, when Chancellor George Osborne has already pledged to make Northern transport a priority.

Mr Clegg also swung the Liberal Democrats behind re-regulation of buses, giving local councils London-style powers to set routes and fares.

And he agreed to look into alleged weaknesses in the new Northern Rail franchise, saying: “Given the strength of feeling locally, of course I will be discussing this with Patrick McLoughlin [the Transport Secretary].”

Pointing to the impact of the Scottish vote, Mr Clegg said: “Everyone wants to know what the answer is the missing piece of the jigsaw – namely decentralisation in England.

“That’s a massive opportunity for the North, because it means we can finally push for some big powers over how to raise money, over skills, over the delivery of local, public services.”

The Liberal Democrat leader suggested proposals would include:

* More local decision-making over road schemes – pointing to the hoped-for improvements to the A1.

* Ending the free-for-all of privately-run buses, saying: “Why are the buses not regulated as they are in London?”

* Giving Northern transport authorities control over local rail franchises – a policy the Coalition has been accused of rowing back on.

Mr Clegg stressed it was “not a Liberal Democrat initiative”, but an attempt to reach a consensus, adding: “You can then move very quickly indeed – that’s why I’m very excited.”

Speed is vital because the details of the new Northern Rail and TransPennine franchises will be set out in December – with, currently, no say for local leaders.

In particular, there are concerns that the 30-year-old Pacer trains will be “modernised”, rather than replaced as originally pledged.

Mr Clegg said: “I accept it’s something people care about massively and want early action on – and it goes completely with the direction of my own thinking.”

He also defended his pledge, along with David Cameron and Ed Miliband, to keep the Barnett Formula – and much higher public spending for Scotland – having earlier promised a review.

Mr Clegg claimed to have “looked at it exhaustively”, saying: “It’s not obvious there is a ready-made, better alternative somewhere else. I haven’t found it and no-one I talked to has found it either.”

And, asked if he was “100 per cent sure” that the prime minister will survive a Yes vote today, he said only: “I never get into these futile what-ifs.”

*The Northern Echo's The Right Lines campaign is urging the Government to deliver a strategy of ongoing investment as part of the new Northern Rail and TransPennine franchises.