West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has backed Andy Burnham’s plans to transfer more powers out of Whitehall, claiming the proposals could “turbocharge” regeneration and economic growth across the region.
The comments come after Andy Burnham, currently the only declared candidate in the Labour leadership contest, outlined his vision for a more devolved Britain during a major speech announcing his bid on 29 June.
He pledged to shift decision-making away from Westminster and hand greater powers to local councils and mayoral authorities. His proposals include establishing a northern outpost of Number 10 in Manchester, reforming local government powers and launching what he described as the “biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times.”
Andy Burnham argued that the current Westminster system was no longer delivering for communities across the country. “The Westminster system is broken,” he said.
“As a result, the country isn’t where it should be. It is stuck in a rut, and clearly we can’t go on like this.”
He also promised the largest council house building programme since the post-war era and said the days of Whitehall resisting devolution were “over for good”.
Among the proposals being considered is reform of the business rates system. Currently, business rates are set by central government and collected by local authorities, with councils retaining only part of the revenue generated.
Responding to the announcement, Ms Brabin said devolving more powers to local leaders would help regions like West Yorkshire tackle some of their biggest challenges. “Andy led the way in the devolution revolution, putting place before politics and changing Greater Manchester,” she said.
“We know devolution is already delivering for people in West Yorkshire – and these proposals will turbocharge our plans to build a West Yorkshire that works for all.”
“People are desperate for change. Transferring more powers to mayors who know their areas best will help us lower the cost of living, regenerate our high streets and enable good growth across the region.”
Support for greater devolution was also echoed by the Local Government Association.
Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said successive devolution deals had shown that local decision-making was key to unlocking economic growth and tackling regional challenges. She said councils needed greater powers to address issues including housing, skills shortages, infrastructure investment and productivity.
“It is now vital that the government steps up its ambition to deliver genuine devolution right across England,” she said.
Andy Burnham’s proposals are expected to form a central part of his platform as the Labour leadership contest continues, with supporters arguing that greater local control could help drive investment and regeneration in regions outside London.
