Labour MP Amanda Hack for North West Leicestershire has joined with other local MPs to call on Leicester City and Leicestershire County Council to urgently bring forward a single proposal with a clear public timetable to secure a devolution deal for the area.

However this move from the MPs has been met with criticism from Leader of Leicestershire County Council Dan Harrison, who says devolution is 'not on the table from the Government.'

Amanda Hack has joined with Liz Kendall, MP for Leicester West, and Jeevun Sandher, MP for Loughborough, to warn that further delays risks the region missing out on vital investment, economic opportunities and powers that could have a large impact on local communities.

The three MPs say that residents and stakeholders need a clear commitment from local authorities that they are working at pace to secure the powers and investment necessary to boost productivity, attract inward investment and support the growth of key sectors across the region.

They are urging Leicester City and Leicestershire County Councils to provide residents, businesses, colleges and universities a clear roadmap for securing a devolution settlement, including key milestones and timescales.

Speaking about the issue, Amanda Hack MP said: 'Leicestershire has so much to offer, but we do not have the strategic single voice or powers that devolution brings.

'What we have instead is a fragmented approach that is an active barrier to long-term productivity and growth.

'I've been campaigning to reinstate passenger rail between Burton and Leicester, but we don't benefit from financial settlements allocated to city regions, so we're not getting our fair share of the transport connectivity.

'The only way to ensure constituents in North West Leicestershire thrive in the long term is given them a strong devolution package.'

However, this move from the three MPs has been criticised by LCC Leader, Dan Harrison, who said: 'We're unclear why the Labour MPs are asking us, particularly at a time when devolution, through a mayoral strategic authority or combined authority, is not on the table from Government.

'The roadmap for securing a devolution settlement is entirely in the Government's gift and the support of Labour MPs is critical.

'Leicestershire County Council has always been fully committed to devolution and to being part of a strategic authority.

'We agree with business leaders that lack of devolution means we're missing out on funding for business, skills and infrastructure. And we absolutely agree with the MPs. We want devolution and the power and funding that follows and this has always been our stance.

'Most recently, we submitted an expression of interest for the only currently available route to devolution, a foundation strategic authority, and are still awaiting a response from Government.

'We ask all MPs to support our bid and Government for a clear roadmap for securing a full devolution settlement.

'We're following the timetable, as set out by Government, for local government reorganisation which will pave the way to unlock devo. We look forward to hearing from Government and local MPs on how we can progress.'