Andy Burnham defended the cost of opening No 10 North in Manchester, telling London-based critics the new branch of Downing Street will create a more balanced country. The Greater Manchester mayor held his first meeting at the northern base, describing it as “the best day of my life” and a key step in rebalancing power away from the capital.
No 10 North: A New Era for UK Politics
The prime minister hailed the launch as “the biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen”. Burnham, speaking at the national economic council meeting, joked he might face trouble at home for his comment, but insisted the centre will allow big decisions to be made outside London. The move is part of a broader push to decentralise government functions and address regional inequality.
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Housing Secretary Warns of ‘Borrowed Time’
Housing secretary Angela Rayner said the new Burnham administration is on “borrowed time” to turn the country around. She highlighted recent measures – a cap on bus fares, a VAT cut on electricity bills, and support for pubs and clubs – as proof the government understands cost-of-living frustrations. However, she admitted the goal to build 1.5m homes this parliament is “a really difficult stretched target” that has become “more challenging”. Rayner ruled out rent controls, saying existing renter rights legislation is already impacting the market.
Cost of Living: SNP Calls for Faster Action
The SNP urged the prime minister to go “further and faster” on the spiralling cost of living. Economy spokesperson Kirsty Blackman claimed families in Scotland will see “no meaningful benefit” from the first-week announcements, calling the policies “far too small to make a real difference”. Meanwhile, a review of the early prisoner release scheme ordered by Burnham could be conducted “in the coming days and weeks”.
Key Announcements Compared
| Policy | Impact | Critics’ View |
|---|---|---|
| Bus fare cap | Reduces travel costs for commuters | SNP says too limited in Scotland |
| VAT cut on electricity bills | Lowers household energy expenses | Some argue it doesn’t address long-term energy costs |
| Support for pubs and clubs | Helps hospitality sector survive | Hospitality groups want more direct aid |
Key Takeaways
- Andy Burnham defends No 10 North as a step toward regional balance
- Housing secretary Angela Rayner calls the new government ‘borrowed time’
- Cost-of-living measures include bus fare cap and VAT cut on electricity
- SNP says policies fall short for Scottish families
- Early prisoner release review expected within weeks
FAQ
What is No 10 North?
No 10 North is a new branch of Downing Street located in Manchester, designed to decentralise government operations and bring decision-making closer to northern England.
Why did Andy Burnham defend its cost?
Burnham argued that the investment will create a more balanced country and that big things can be achieved from the north, countering London-based critics who questioned the expense.
What cost-of-living measures were announced?
The government announced a cap on bus fares, a VAT reduction on electricity bills, and financial support for pubs and clubs. The SNP however said these are insufficient for Scottish families.
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