By Jim Hancock BBC North West Political Editor

Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London have all gained more control over their own affairs since Labour came to power in 1997.

In each area the powers vary and what was being offered by John Prescott on Monday is much more modest than the Scottish Parliament, for example.

However, currently the English regions are subject to a very centralised government, which exercises its power in regional offices and a bewildering series of quangos appointed by ministers.

Mr Prescott's plan is for directly elected assemblies within the regions - similar assemblies are proposed in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber - to take some of these powers.

Lancashire County Council would be abolished under the plans

The new bodies would develop an "economic roadmap", decide big planning issues and transport projects, develop culture and tourism strategies.

They would also have a say in housing and health.

There are critics of the plan who say it will be a costly, ineffective talking shop.

But the main controversy centres on the effect an assembly will have on local government.

In Lancashire and Cheshire the two tier structure of county and district councils would be swept away if people voted in favour of devolution.

There would be one unitary council dealing with all functions like housing, social services and education.

2004 referendum

Not surprisingly Lancashire and Cheshire county councils oppose the move.

Mr Prescott has announced that a review of local government will start immediately, preparing plans that will be put to people in the areas affected.

It will exclude Greater Manchester and Merseyside where there is already single tier councils.

However, everyone will vote on the assembly question, in a referendum that is due to take place in the autumn next year.