THE Minister for the Northern Powerhouse has dropped a strong hint that Cumbria will get a devolution deal - and that Carlisle is in line for an Enterprise Zone.

James Wharton was in the city today FRI to address a Cumbria Chamber of Commerce business breakfast.

He outlined the benefits of the devolution packages that have been delivered so far to Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and other major cities, and said he was "reasonably confident" Cumbria would get one too.

His parting comment to his audience was: "I look forward to coming back for a deal signing in the not-too-distant future."

Devolution of powers could bring a county-wide elected mayor, a multi-million pound investment fund, new powers over skills and training, and greater over control over transport, housing and planning.

Cumbria's local authorities and the county's Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) have been in talks with ministers over a devolution deal for months, which they believe could bring 30,000 jobs by 2024.

Chancellor George Osborne could make an announcement when he delivers the Autumn Statement and Comprehensive Spending Review on Wednesday.

He may also reveal if Carlisle's bid to host an Enterprise Zone at Kingmoor Park has been successful.

A formal bid to establish an Enterprise Zone was submitted in September. This would allow Kingmoor Park to offer incentives to firms setting up there.

Enterprise zones enjoy simplified planning rules, funding for superfast broadband, a business rate discount, and a guarantee that new business rate income in the zone is retained in the local area.

Carlisle City Council believes  these incentives could create 2,500 jobs. 

Mr Wharton said: "Whether Carlisle is successful or not, the case that [MP] John Stevenson, the local authorities and the LEP have made has hugely informed the Government about the opportunities in Carlisle. 

"It is clear the potential in Carlisle is significant and that there are a lot of exciting things happening here."

An earlier bid to establish an enterprise zone in Cumbria in 2011 was rejected by ministers.

But Mr Osborne hinted on a pre-election visit in May that the Government would look favourably on a fresh bid from Carlisle.

More than 100 business people attended the breakfast meeting, which saw Mr Wharton share a platform with Mr Stevenson and Cumbria Chamber of Commerce chief executive Rob Johnston.