England’s mayors should be given sweeping new powers, says devolution expert

Andy Burnham, the Labour Party’s current leader and a prominent figure in British politics, has outlined a comprehensive economic and political blueprint for Britain that centers on decentralization, increased regional autonomy, and a rejection of traditional centralized governance models. His vision, unveiled in a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester, signals a dramatic shift in how power and resources are distributed across the United Kingdom. Burnham, who previously served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, emphasized the need to move away from the current concentration of authority in Westminster and instead empower local communities, regions, and cities to shape their own futures.

At the heart of Burnham’s proposal is a commitment to extending devolution beyond the existing arrangements in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. He envisions a future where power is not merely transferred to these regions but is embedded more deeply within local structures. This includes granting local authorities greater control over taxation, skills training, and industrial policies—powers currently reserved by the central government. Burnham also floated the idea of establishing a "Basic Law" akin to Germany’s constitutional framework, ensuring a statutory right to equal living standards across the UK. This concept reflects his belief that the UK’s deep-seated inequalities stem from its highly centralized governance structure, which has left many regions lagging behind in terms of economic development and quality of life.

Burnham’s critique of Westminster extends beyond mere policy preferences. He described the current Parliament as "a more fragmented, disjointed place than the one I left," noting a lack of cohesion and morale among members. Unlike previous leaders, such as Keir Starmer, who imposed strict controls on parliamentary dissent, Burnham aims to foster a more collaborative environment. He pledged not to use the whip system to suppress debate and instead encourage backbenchers to engage actively in shaping legislation. This approach contrasts sharply with the more hierarchical methods employed by recent administrations and suggests a desire to rebuild trust between the leadership and the broader parliamentary body.

A key component of Burnham’s economic strategy involves rejecting the traditional "trickle-down" model of economic growth, which has dominated British policy since the 1980s. Instead, he advocates for a more direct form of state involvement in driving economic progress. This includes expanding the role of the government in managing essential services such as water, energy, transportation, and housing. Burnham highlighted the success of the Greater Manchester Bus Network, which transitioned from private to public ownership, as a model for how such reforms could be implemented nationwide. He specifically mentioned the potential for public control over services like Thames Water, which faces scrutiny over its management and performance.

Burnham also addressed the issue of housing, pledging to launch "the biggest council house building programme since the postwar period." He pointed to the loss of nearly 1.5 million council homes since the 1980s and the resulting strain on social housing systems as critical challenges that need urgent attention. His plan includes utilizing vacant public land and adopting a "housing first" approach inspired by Finland, aiming to provide stable housing solutions for vulnerable populations. Additionally, Burnham criticized the rising costs of housing and the disproportionate burden on taxpayers, emphasizing the need for affordable housing to enable individuals to fully participate in the economy.

While Burnham’s proposals have garnered considerable support, particularly from those advocating for more localized decision-making, questions remain about their feasibility and implementation. Critics argue that the success of devolution depends on the ability of local authorities to manage additional responsibilities effectively. Some regions, particularly those without established mayoral systems, may face challenges in accessing the necessary resources and expertise to implement these changes. Moreover, the financial constraints of the UK, with national debt reaching 95% of GDP, pose a significant hurdle for ambitious initiatives requiring substantial investment.

Burnham’s vision for Britain represents a bold departure from conventional approaches to governance and economic planning. By prioritizing regional empowerment, rejecting outdated economic models, and addressing systemic inequalities, he seeks to redefine the relationship between the central government and local communities. Whether his proposals can translate into tangible outcomes remains to be seen, but his emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and equitable distribution of resources underscores a commitment to reshaping the nation’s trajectory. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Burnham’s blueprint offers a compelling alternative to the status quo, challenging both the establishment and the opposition to rethink the foundations of modern British governance.