A referendum could be held in autumn 2004

There has been mixed reaction to the expected decision to give voters in Yorkshire and the Humber the chance to choose whether the area has a regional assembly.

It is expected to be one of three areas in England in which a referendum will be held on the issue.

The powers of the new assemblies have not been fixed, but are likely to include housing, transport, regeneration and tourism.

Campaigners have welcomed the expected announcement from John Prescott, while opponents have said devolution is not required.

'Yorkshire voice'

Jane Thomas, director of the Campaign for Yorkshire, believes devolution is necessary for the area.

She said: "The referendum is important because it is the people who should decide about the future of the region.

"A directly-elected regional assembly will give Yorkshire a voice.

"In 20 years time we will look back and be appalled that for so long we were run by people who don't understand our needs."

Regional Assembly - have your say Leeds West Yorkshire South Yorkshire North Yorkshire Humber

Mr Prescott's statement in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon will outline what level of support will be necessary to trigger an assembly.

But Suzanne Hart, who was recently named Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year, said she cannot see the need for devolution.

She said: "We have already got Yorkshire Forward, a Yorkshire development agency, local authorities and parish councils.

"There are also other little combinations of people who are doing things in Yorkshire.

"I can't see the rationale for having a regional assembly."

In North Yorkshire, the establishment of an elected regional assembly would bring the biggest changes to local government for 30 years.

It is understood the present system of a county council and seven district councils would not be maintained under an elected assembly.

An assembly could mean the end of North Yorkshire County Council

The county would have to switch to the unitary system that exists in the rest of the region.

It could mean job losses as the county and district councils employ more than 20,000 people.

And Conservative deputy leader of North Yorkshire County Council, Murray Naylor, does not think the assembly would benefit the area.

He said: "I don't believe the delivery of services is going to be improved by yet another upheaval of local government, and the removal of the centre of power to somewhere much further away than Northallerton."

A campaign against the regional assembly is gathering speed in North Lincolnshire.

The Conservative-led council says people would lose out if decisions were made miles away in Yorkshire.