Key facts
- No 10 North, located in Manchester, is established as a new base for overseeing economic growth.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham will regularly work from No 10 North, aiming to shift decision-making away from Westminster.
- The National Economic Council has been revived and will convene its first meeting at No 10 North.
- Regional mayors will be integrated into economic policy discussions through the National Economic Council.
- The government has announced measures such as VAT reductions on electricity bills and business rates cuts for certain venues.
The UK government has launched 'No 10 North' in Manchester, a new operational base intended to drive economic growth and decentralize power from Westminster. Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the initiative, stating that decisions about the country's economic future will no longer be made exclusively in London.
No 10 North, operating from Heron House in Manchester, will serve as the government's situation room for growth, bringing together levers of local economic growth and devolution. Burnham is expected to work from the Manchester base weekly, with other ministers also spending regular time there. This move aims to address a perceived historical concentration of power in SW1 (Westminster).
The Prime Minister will chair the first meeting of the revived National Economic Council (NEC) at No 10 North. The NEC, originally established in 2008 during an economic emergency, is being reinstated to foster a sense of urgency and collective action for economic growth. Senior ministers and regional mayors will be invited to participate, cementing devolution at the core of economic decision-making.
Burnham stated that the days of Whitehall resisting devolution are over, emphasizing a commitment to empowering local leaders. Ahead of the NEC meeting, the Prime Minister is scheduled to consult with business representative organizations, including the Federation of Small Business, CBI, and BCC, to discuss strategies for unlocking growth and job creation.
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh described No 10 North as a fundamental re-balancing of power, ensuring that communities overlooked by Westminster receive a voice. Chancellor John Healey MP highlighted the government's seriousness about transferring power to local areas, positioning No 10 North as central to this plan.
In conjunction with the launch of No 10 North, the government has announced measures to provide relief to families and businesses, including VAT reductions on electricity bills, the restoration of a £2 bus fare cap, and a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs, and music venues.