Voters could be asked whether they want regional government

At a meeting in Leeds, the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly will decided whether or not to support a referendum on regional government.

The assembly consists of the leaders of the region's 22 local authorities as well as representatives of a number of other organisations.

Members will hear a report on work carried out for the assembly on whether there is support in the region for a new tier of local administration.

Deadline for comments

Research carried out in January 2003 for the assembly found that 47% supported a referendum, 7% opposed a referendum, and 46% said they did not have enough information.

The government has said it is willing to establish new regional assemblies if it can be shown there is support for them.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has set a deadline of 3 March for comments about plans for regional government.

Monday's vote by the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly on whether to back a referendum is part of that consultation process.