The UK government's North-South divide is set to receive unprecedented attention as Prime Minister Andy Burnham launches 'No 10 North', an ambitious drive to decentralise power and turbocharge economic growth in regions outside London. This seismic shift marks a turning point in Britain's governance, with the PM at its helm.
The Prime Minister argues that decades of centralisation have left many communities reeling from deindustrialisation and neglect, with regional disparities exacerbated by the concentration of decision-making power in Whitehall. Previous attempts to bridge this gap, including high-profile 'levelling up' initiatives, have fallen short due to a fundamental flaw: decision-making authority remained firmly rooted in London.
No 10 North seeks to rectify these issues by injecting growth directly from the heart of government, in close collaboration with the Treasury. The initiative's core objectives are threefold: accelerating devolution, reindustrialisation, and stimulating growth across every postcode in the UK. By streamlining Whitehall departments' support for local areas, No 10 North aims to break down barriers to regeneration, from council housebuilding to vital transport infrastructure.
The long-term vision articulated by Mr Burnham is nothing short of remarkable: achieving equivalent living standards across all regions and nations of the UK. He stresses that true growth cannot be imposed top-down but must be nurtured bottom-up, with local communities empowered to make their own decisions. Citing his experience in Greater Manchester, where he oversaw a return of public control over buses and subsequent economic gains, Mr Burnham is convinced similar successes can be replicated nationwide.
Tomorrow's inaugural meeting of the National Economic Council from No 10 North will see Prime Minister Burnham chair a forum bringing together senior ministers and regional mayors. The gathering aims to ensure every Whitehall department actively supports growth and devolution ambitions, marking a significant departure from previous approaches that have often neglected the needs of regions outside London.