Burnham's Devolution Offer Draws Early Backlash
Andy Burnham’s plan to let regional mayors keep a share of income tax, unveiled as the biggest devolution of power in a generation, drew a mixed response on Friday as the detail was picked over. Supporters hailed a long-overdue shift of power out of Whitehall, but critics questioned whether the sums involved would amount to much in practice. Analysts said the impact would vary widely between richer and poorer regions.
The scepticism centred on how much money would actually be devolved, and whether mayors in less prosperous areas — which raise less in tax — would gain enough to make a difference, or fall further behind wealthier city regions. The government has yet to set out the share of revenue to be handed over or how it will protect areas that lose out. For all the fanfare, the policy’s success will hinge on figures still to be published. The first Budget of Mr Burnham’s government will be an early test. Watch for the detail that turns the promise into pounds.