Cities Are the Big Winners in Burnham’s Devolution Drive. But What Happens to the Rest of England?

As Andy Burnham’s devolution drive gains momentum, cities like Liverpool and Greater Manchester are reaping the benefits of regional mayors and unitary councils. However, beneath this surface-level success lies a more nuanced reality: many parts of England are struggling to keep pace.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act has breathed new life into local governance in areas with existing strengths. Cities have leveraged their economic advantages to drive growth, improve public services, and enhance community engagement. But for smaller towns, rural areas, and some urban centers, this new landscape is a distant horizon. They are still grappling with the basics: local government reorganization, resource allocation, and establishing effective governance structures.

This uneven development is nothing new. England’s economic growth has largely been concentrated in urban areas since the Industrial Revolution, leaving rural communities to cope with decline and stagnation. As devolution takes center stage, it’s essential to address this divide head-on. Otherwise, we risk creating a two-tier system where some regions thrive while others struggle to survive.

The consequences of such a system would be far-reaching: economic growth would stall, social cohesion would suffer, and the fabric of our communities would begin to fray. However, there is also an opportunity for policy makers to think creatively about devolution’s potential to level the playing field. By providing targeted support for smaller areas, we can help them build capacity, leverage resources, and drive local growth.

This could involve innovative funding models, tailored training programs, or even regional “devolution hubs” where expertise is shared and best practices are disseminated. To make this happen, Whitehall must fundamentally shift its approach to devolution. Rather than handing down policy prescriptions from on high, officials must work collaboratively with local leaders to co-design solutions that meet their unique needs.

This will require ceding some control, acknowledging the complexity of local contexts, and embracing uncertainty as an essential part of the devolution journey. As we near a major milestone – three years in office for Andy Burnham – it’s time to confront this divide head-on. The devolution drive must be about more than just urban areas; it’s about creating a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient England where every community has a stake in its future.

In fact, some argue that the success of cities like Liverpool and Greater Manchester is not just a result of devolution, but also of their existing strengths and economic advantages. “We have been able to leverage our existing strengths to drive growth and improve public services,” says Andy Burnham’s deputy mayor, Bev Craig. “But we also recognize that this is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and that other areas need tailored support to succeed.”

To achieve this, policy makers must think about devolution in terms of its potential to address the economic and social challenges facing smaller areas. This might involve providing targeted funding for infrastructure projects, supporting local businesses through training programs or tax incentives, or even creating regional “devolution hubs” where expertise is shared and best practices are disseminated.

Ultimately, success will depend on Whitehall’s willingness to work collaboratively with local leaders to co-design solutions that meet their unique needs. This requires ceding some control, acknowledging the complexity of local contexts, and embracing uncertainty as an essential part of the devolution journey.