A MAYOR has called for a greater devolution of cash once Britain leaves the European Union.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen made the call for greater devolution before the House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government select committee yesterday.

At the committee’s evidence session into Brexit and Local Government, Mr Houchen joined Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor James Palmer, and London Assembly member Len Duvall, to discuss the impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU on local areas.

Giving evidence at Manchester University, Mr Houchen called for more directly devolved cash to replace European funding after Britain leaves the EU and also warned against a “Whitehall power grab”.

“As one of the 64 per cent of people in our region that voted to leave the EU, I am determined to ensure our voice is heard at the negotiating table," he said.

"Powers that flow back to London need to be distributed back to regions like ours."