A GROUP representing local business and civic leaders has thrown its weight behind calls for more powers to be handed to northern cities.

Bradford Breakthrough, which lobbies to make Bradford a better place to live and work, says that the devolution of decision-making and tax-raising powers would boost growth and create a more balanced economy.

But the group strongly opposes the setting up of any new tier of government, such as an English Parliament or a regional assembly, saying this would be too costly.

Instead the group wants the government to devolve more powers to local councils or groups of councils, such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Its chief executive, Colin Philpott, said: "Our members believe that there is now a real opportunity to seize the moment and move real power from central government to communities across the country.

"This can end the 'hand-out culture' where local councils and others go cap in hand to Whitehall to ask for money.

"Instead, local areas can take responsibility for decision-making, including financial responsibility, for spending on a wide range of issues.

"This would mean tax-raising powers for local councils and for groups of local authorities with accountability to local voters."

Devolution to the regions has been a hot topic since the Scottish referendum on independence last month.

Much of the debate has centred on whether it is right that Scottish MPs can still vote on matters which only affect England, or whether there should instead be certain sessions in Parliament just for English MPs.

But Mr Philpott said: "Devolving power from one group of MPs to another in Westminster is a sideshow - what is needed is real devolution across England alongside greater powers for Scotland and Wales.

"This can enable faster progress on economic growth, skills development and infrastructure improvements as well as creating a stronger sense of identity and local democracy."

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is already pressing for more powers from the government.

The authority, which brings together the leaders of Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield, Calderdale, Kirklees and York councils, is sending a delegation to London later this month to present Chancellor George Osborne with a list of devolution requests.

It is likely to include demands for greater powers over transport schemes and tax-raising.