Andy Burnham, the newly appointed Prime Minister, commenced his first day in office at the newly established No 10 North in Manchester. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to decentralise power from London, aiming to empower regions across the UK.
A New Era of Devolution
Burnham’s inaugural meeting at No 10 North will convene the National Economic Council, a cabinet committee formed in 2008 to tackle economic challenges nationwide. This gathering will include senior ministers, regional mayors, and key stakeholders, all focused on placing devolution at the forefront of governmental priorities.
In a statement ahead of the meeting, Burnham highlighted the long-standing issue of centralisation: “For 40 years, power and resources have been sucked into the centre, and too many communities have felt forgotten, without the attention and investment they deserve.” He firmly asserted that the era of Whitehall resisting devolution is over.
Building a Northern Hub
No 10 North is set to become a pivotal site for strategic decisions on local economic growth and devolution, shifting responsibilities from the Treasury and the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government directly to Burnham’s office. This move is expected to enhance collaboration among civil servants, mayors, councils, and businesses, driving growth in various regions.
Angela Rayner, MP for Greater Manchester, is also expected to utilise the new facility. When questioned about Burnham’s focus on the North, she clarified that No 10 North is designed to stimulate growth across all areas of the UK, not just the North.
Engaging with Business Leaders
On his first day, Burnham will engage with business leaders from organisations such as the Federation of Small Businesses and the Confederation of British Industry to discuss strategies for fostering growth and investment. Labour aims to leverage existing devolution frameworks to create a cohesive plan that enables closer collaboration between civil servants and local authorities.
Burnham’s initial week in office has already seen him propose significant measures to alleviate the cost of living, including a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues, effective from April next year.
Opposition Critique
However, not all responses have been favourable. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has challenged Burnham’s proposals, labelling them as “too small.” In her criticism, she urged him to address high energy costs for businesses and address funding gaps in defence. “When you are mayor of Manchester, you are handed a big pot of someone else’s money, and you decide where to spend it. I’m sure this is great fun. It can make you very popular. But it is not the same as being prime minister,” she remarked, suggesting that Burnham needs to elevate his approach to match the responsibilities of his new role.
Future Plans for No 10 North
Initially, No 10 North will operate from Heron House in central Manchester, a location that also houses offices for GCHQ. The Prime Minister plans to work from this site weekly, with security measures already in place. The longer-term home for No 10 North is projected to be a new government facility in Ancoats, set for completion in 2032.
The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by successive governments to relocate civil servants away from London, with a target to reduce London-based roles by 12,000. Currently, 19.6% of civil servants are situated in the capital, a figure that has been steadily declining over the past four years. Meanwhile, the proportion of senior civil servants based outside London remains at 13.5%, compared to 34.7% in London.
Why it Matters
Burnham’s establishment of No 10 North represents a significant shift in UK governance, aiming to decentralise power and encourage regional investment. As the government seeks to respond to the economic disparities faced by different areas of the country, the success of this initiative could redefine the relationship between Westminster and the regions, potentially reshaping the political landscape for years to come.
