METRO Mayor Andy Burnham could have more control over budgets, under new plans set out by the government.

Northern mayors and combined authorities will have greater control over setting local train fares, timetables, and budgets under sweeping new plans set out by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister set out his intention to allow northern communities to take more control over their services.

“ I am announcing my intention to give the railways of the north back to the people of the north. Back to the places where they were born. Back to Stockton and to Darlington. Back to Liverpool and Manchester,” the Prime Minister said,”On local lines in metropolitan areas, we will give greater control over fares, service patterns, rolling stock and stations.

“And outside the combined authority areas, I want communities to take control too.

“That might be through county councils taking on similar roles, in their areas, for stations or branch lines.