Kent and the South East could boost jobs the national economy to the tune of billions of pounds if the government was prepared to devolve more powers to councils.

That is the claim made by council leaders in a "devolution manifesto" following the independence referendum in Scotland. The call comes as Vince Cable, the business secretary, visits Kent today to see how the county’s economy is faring.

The devolution manifesto, titled Let The South East Work For The UK says councils could join forces to become a federal region, capable of raising even more money than it does now for the national economy.

It has been published by a voluntary group, the South East England Councils [SEEC]. It says the South East should have the same devolved powers as Wales, Scotland and some English cities, arguing that with the right level of funding, it could “deliver even more jobs, new businesses and stronger economies.”

It points out the South East economy already contributes £203bn to the UK - some £56bn more than the eight English core cities.

Possibly controversially, the report also urges government to give councils more tax-raising powers.

The document says: “Currently, councils keep only 4% of taxes, equivalent to just 1.7% of GDP. Allowing councils to set and keep more taxes locally, for example adding business rates and stamp duty to council tax, and allowing more local fees, would triple councils’ tax share to 12%.”

Kent County Council leader Cllr Paul Carter has backed the call for more powers, saying the government would be wrong to overlook the potential in the South East because it was focused on cities.

“The argument for devolution for Kent and the region is exactly the same as it is for Manchester and Birmingham and just as important. There are enormous possibilities. We need to have federated councils working together,” he said.

He stressed there should be no new tiers of government and urged the government to be bold.

The report also argues councils should join forces to commission health and social care under one budget. It also states “blue light” emergency services should be integrated into a single regional body.