Prime Minister Andy Burnham has officially launched "No 10 North" in Manchester, marking a historic shift in the United Kingdom’s governance. Located in Heron House, the new office serves as a strategic situation room designed to decentralise power from Westminster and foster regional economic growth through direct collaboration with local leaders.
Key takeaways
- No 10 North is now operational in Manchester’s city centre.
- The Prime Minister intends to work from the northern base weekly to drive devolution.
- The National Economic Council has been revived to coordinate national and regional economic policy.
- New cost-of-living measures include VAT cuts on electricity and a £2 bus fare cap.
A new era for devolution
For decades, critics have argued that political and economic power has been disproportionately concentrated in London. By establishing a permanent base in Manchester, the government aims to ensure that decisions affecting the country are informed by local perspectives. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declared that the days of Whitehall resisting devolution are over, emphasising that the new office will act as a hub for getting power into the hands of people at a local level. Ministers are expected to rotate through the facility regularly, signalling a departure from traditional, centralised policy-making.
The National Economic Council
Central to the launch of No 10 North is the revival of the National Economic Council. Originally established in 2008 to manage economic emergencies, the council has been repurposed to address the current need for urgent, collective action on growth. By inviting regional mayors to sit at the table alongside senior ministers, the government intends to align national strategy with local needs. This collaborative approach aims to replace competing plans with a unified, strategic vision for the UK economy.
Supporting households and businesses
Alongside the structural changes to government, the Prime Minister has announced a series of interventions designed to ease the cost-of-living burden. These policies, which are set to take effect over the coming months, include the removal of VAT from domestic electricity bills from 1 October and the restoration of a £2 cap on bus fares in England starting in January 2027. Furthermore, the government has pledged a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues from April 2027. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to supporting high streets and providing immediate relief to families across the country.
