Andy Burnham, a Labour politician expected to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, outlined a 10-year plan to decentralize power on Sunday [1, 2].
The proposal represents a fundamental shift in British governance by attempting to move decision-making authority away from Whitehall and London to stimulate regional economies [1, 3].
Speaking in Manchester on June 28, 2026, Burnham said his vision is delivering "good growth in every postcode" [1, 3]. The plan aims to reduce economic inequality between different regions of the country, a long-standing challenge for UK policymakers [1, 3].
Central to the economic strategy is the introduction of a land-value tax [4]. This measure is designed to change how property and land are taxed to encourage more productive use of space, and investment in underdeveloped areas [4].
Burnham also pledged to implement a "circuit-breaker" for the economy [2]. This mechanism is intended to stabilize economic volatility and provide a safeguard against sudden shocks that disproportionately affect regional hubs [2].
The announcement comes at a critical transition period. Burnham is expected to officially become Prime Minister in three weeks [1]. Earlier this month, he held a meeting with Keir Starmer to discuss the transition of power [2].
The 10-year timeline suggests a long-term commitment to structural reform rather than short-term policy adjustments [1]. By shifting power to the regions, Burnham said he intends to ensure that local leaders have the tools to drive growth without relying on central government approval for every major project [1, 3].
“Good growth in every postcode.”
This proposal signals a move toward a more federalized system of governance in the UK. By combining land-value taxation with regional devolution, Burnham is attempting to break the economic dominance of London and redistribute wealth and authority to the North and other midlands, potentially altering the traditional relationship between the central state and local municipalities.
