The decision, which is expected on Tuesday, could have huge implications for city devolution plans at the heart of the chancellor's vision of a "northern powerhouse".
The vote will create huge pressure for further devolution, argues Simon Parker, director of the New Local Government Network, but may also reduce the amount of attention and resources the government can devote to deliver it, particularly if Osborne, who has pushed through English devolution from the Treasury, steps down as chancellor.
This report highlights the extent to which some of our great cities are being held back by being denied the same sort of autonomy enjoyed by equivalent European cities. "The huge economic benefits of devolution identified by the Cities Growth Commission are likely to be just the tip of the iceberg.
She described Osborne's devolution agenda as "huge, tangible changes" but said more needed to be done to "put local people back in control".
"And we're making huge progress including agreeing a historic devolution deal for Cornwall ensuring new powers to control local services, bringing jobs and prosperity to the area".
"Tory strategists are desperate to win back party supporters who have defected to Ukip and hours are spent answering the question: 'Just how will this policy announcement play with the Kippers?' Farage has a huge opportunity to shaft David Cameron on English devolution".
Ministers from London and Dublin will also be urging Northern Irish parties to solve the other key issue that threatens to bring down devolution: welfare reforms of the region's huge public sector.
With so much uncertainty and unanswered questions about the cost of independence, leaving the UK would be a huge leap in the dark – especially when we know that devolution works for Scotland.
In addition, Labour's huge election success could actually undercut, rather than increase, support for devolution.
Scottish Health Secretary Alex Neil said: "Mr Miliband knows perfectly well how Scotland is funded under devolution - now he must come clean on the huge impact that NHS privatisation in England will have on this budget.
