A fresh wave of optimism is sweeping through regional leaders as the prospect of Andy Burnham becoming Prime Minister gains momentum. This is not just about politics; it's about harnessing the economic potential that lies dormant in towns and cities across the country. With his background as Greater Manchester mayor, a potential Premiership for Mr Burnham could mark a significant shift towards devolved governance, unlocking the secrets to regional growth.
Greater Manchester has been at the forefront of this revolution for over a decade, having developed strengths in key sectors such as science and technology, life sciences, digital industries, financial services, and advanced manufacturing. However, experts warn that the next stage is about delivery: central government must provide regions with sufficient funding, flexibility, and confidence to use them effectively.
Housing is an area where a more devolved approach could bring significant benefits. Local authorities and their partners could explore a broader range of delivery models, from public-sector housing to partnerships with private developers, and more sophisticated forms of Build to Rent (BTR). The key will be establishing clear standards and outcomes at the national level while giving regions the freedom to decide how those outcomes are achieved.
Infrastructure too is crucial for growth, as new communities and expanding businesses need reliable transport, energy, water, digital connectivity, and social infrastructure. A Prime Minister who has worked within a devolved system, like Mr Burnham, may be well positioned to navigate the obstacles that hinder progress, such as fragmented funding, infrastructure constraints, and weak coordination between public bodies.