MOST people in Yorkshire believe devolving decisions on transport and infrastructure projects would benefit local areas, a new business survey has shown.

The survey commissioned by the Institution of Civil Engineers revealed that less than a quarter of respondents (23 per cent) think devolution will make local services less efficient and only 34 per cent want it to slow down.

Nearly 70 per cent of those surveyed called for a new fund to boost skills growth and 62 per cent said greater local control of flood management would have a positive impact.

The findings coincided with a recent conference on the Northern Powerhouse where government ministers, business people and leading councillors debated Chancellor George Osborne's concept for narrowing the economic gap between the north and the south of England.

Just over half of respondents to the ICE survey said devolution could help to boost the local economy and two thirds want to see devolution result in a single travel ticket for use on all forms of public transport.

But respondents said they wanted to be consulted about devolution plans, with more than three quarters saying local people should vote to decide whether powers are devolved to their area.

When asked which infrastructure decisions should be controlled locally, bus franchising came out top with 80 per cent wanting local control, compared to 12 per cent who think central government should decide.

Jonathan Spruce, from ICE’s State of the Nation: Devolution steering group, said: “The Government’s ‘devolution revolution’ is speeding up and the commitment is positive –locating powers closer to those it affects carries the potential for greater focus, investment and better decision making.

“However, to get the most out of devolution, we need a better understanding on how and where it can work most effectively. We also need a better feel of the needs, ambition and capacity of each area to establish frameworks and assume the greater responsibility.

"While this survey suggests a positive attitude in principle, there is clearly a desire to be more involved in the process and some strong views are emerging on which decisions should be devolved and the likely benefits.”

Treasury minister Lord O’Neill told the Northern Powerhouse conference that business was crucial to the success of the initiative. He also praised Northern local authorities for embracing devolution which was about improving transport, education and skills. Lord O'Neil said he wanted to encourage young talent to remain in the North.