Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans for greater fiscal devolution to England's mayoral authorities. These proposals, unveiled last week, are intended to rebalance power and resources, which are currently skewed towards London and the south-east. The establishment of No 10 North in Manchester has been designated as the administrative hub for this political project.
Beyond England, the situation regarding devolution is less defined. Following May's elections, progressive nationalist parties now govern in Scotland and Wales. Early meetings between Mr Burnham and the Scottish and Welsh first ministers, John Swinney and Rhun ap Iorwerth, have been reported as positive by both sides.
A potential early move to build confidence could involve repealing contentious powers granted by the post-Brexit United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020. This Act allows London to distribute funds across the UK in various policy areas. The Institute for Government has suggested that Mr Burnham could instead fund the devolved governments to establish their own priorities.