Key facts
- Andy Burnham plans to give local governments greater control over utilities including energy, water, housing, and transport.
- He described the proposed reforms as the 'biggest change in our lifetimes'.
- Burnham intends to maintain sound public finances and adhere to current fiscal rules.
- The reforms will focus on increasing devolution and regulating utilities.
- Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the plans, calling them a 'socialist' approach lacking accountability.
Andy Burnham, poised to become the next Prime Minister, has unveiled a comprehensive 10-year strategy focused on enhancing devolution and asserting greater public control over essential utilities such as energy, water, housing, and transport. In a speech on Monday, Burnham declared these reforms would represent the "biggest change in our lifetimes" to the nation's governance structure, aiming to empower local authorities and address economic disparities.
Burnham emphasized that his policies would align with manifesto commitments and stressed a commitment to "sound public finances," despite the sweeping nature of the proposed changes. He argued that the current system, heavily centralized in Westminster and Whitehall, is ill-equipped to handle the country's challenges, particularly when local government is under-resourced. "The days of Whitehall fighting the devolution power into the regions and nations are over," he stated, promising to foster "good growth in every postcode."
Further proposals include giving mayors and local leaders the authority to manage education and housing, alongside implementing "public intervention where necessary." Burnham also indicated plans to reform business rates to support high street businesses and potentially offer tax cuts or subsidies to ease the burden of rising living costs for households.
In response, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch challenged Burnham to subject his plans to greater scrutiny from MPs and the media. She criticized the focus on devolution, suggesting it would lead to less accountability and that Burnham lacked a concrete plan beyond delegating responsibilities. Badenoch warned of potential economic stagnation and a "summer of chaos" if the country remained in a state of uncertainty regarding fiscal policies and environmental commitments.