DUDLEY Council’s leader is demanding urgent action for more local government power in the wake of Scotland’s independence rejection.

Cllr David Sparks, who is chairman of the Local Government Association, says after Scotland said no to splitting from Britain in last week’s referendum the country will be handed greater powers.

He says the same powers must be devolved across the UK to avoid lingering questions over the future of the UK constitution.

Cllr Sparks said: “The devolution genie is out of the bottle. The new powers that Scotland will now receive must be given to local areas in England and Wales. The appetite for devolution does not stop at the border and the rest of the UK will not be content to settle for the status quo.

"The clock is ticking and we need to act now. Without immediate action, our principles of citizenship, equality and even democracy in our United Kingdom would be thrown into question.

"The Scottish referendum campaign has shown that public trust in the old ways of central control has been shattered beyond repair. That is why establishing an English Parliament, with MPs still calling the shots, would not represent true devolution.”

Dudley North MP Ian Austin is also calling for change with more cash for the West Midlands and a Minister for the region with similar powers to the Mayor of London.

Government spending is currently £8,498 per person in the West Midland, slightly less than the UK average of £8,788.

Spending per person in Scotland is £10,152, £ 10,876 in Northern Ireland and £9,709 in Wales, Londoners also do better than Midlanders, copping £9,435 each from Westminster.

Mr Austin said: “If it’s right for Scotland, right for Wales and right for London, why can’t the five million people in the West Midlands have a greater say over public spending and public services in the region?

“The answer to greater powers for Scotland is devolution to the English regions, greater powers for us here in the West Midlands and a fairer share of public spending.”

Dudley South MP Chris Kelly said: “The people of Scotland have voted by a clear and unambiguous margin to remain in the union. It’s now time for a better deal for England and English taxpayers. That’s why I’m pleased that the Prime Minister has spoken about a new and fair settlement that applies to all parts of the United Kingdom.”