NEARLY nine out of 10 Worcestershire people want powers to be devolved from central Government to this county, according to the first ever survey on it.

After the biggest survey of its kind, a whopping 88 per cent say they want Whitehall to hand more powers to Worcestershire County Council.

The outcome is a resounding mandate for County Hall and follows a series of summer roadshows where people were asked for their views.

The feedback, seen by your Worcester News, reveals how a total of 564 residents were spoken to across all six districts.

They were asked the question "would you be in favour of councils in Worcestershire making a case to central Government allowing them more control on decisions?"

In Worcester 83 per cent said 'yes', while in Evesham it was 91 per cent and Malvern 89 per cent - with the three north Worcestershire districts averaging 87 per cent.

The highly favourable outcome comes at a time when Chancellor George Osborne is intent on giving councils greater power and responsibility - a devolution deal promised in the aftermath of the Scottish referendum.

Manchester has gone the furthest, taking on major powers over areas like transport, skills and a £6 billion health budget.

A watered-down version of that is being attempted between the main metropolitan councils in the West Midlands, led by Birmingham and the Black Country, while Cornwall is taking on a county-wide deal.

The verdict from Worcestershire residents comes at a time when KPMG has been asked to do some consultancy work on the county's future options, which is expected to make some firm recommendations.

The leaders of all seven Worcestershire authorities are meeting at the end of September to discuss it.

Councillor Adrian Hardman, the county council's leader, has leapt on the feedback, which formed part of the 'Have Your Say' roadshow events.

He said: "The results clearly show the people of Worcestershire are in favour of moving the man from the ministry from their lives, and supporting a devolution deal which re-bases power more locally."

As we revealed in July, the leaders have effectively ruled out some kind of merger between them, calling it a 'red line' they are not willing to cross.

None of the Worcestershire authorities have opted to try and join the West Midlands Combined Authority.