Burnham Sets Out Plans for More Devolution and Public Control

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Zuzana Moscakova, Chief Reporter                 Vanesa Zackova, Political Editor

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has outlined the journey of his government, promising a significant transfer of political power and greater public control over essential services.

In his first speech to the House of Commons since taking office, Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to increase public control over essential services while giving regions greater devolved powers.

Burnham argued that since the 1980s, Britain had made “a series of wrong turns”, leading to deindustrialisation, the centralisation of political power and the privatisation of economic power.

He also claimed that Brexit had contributed to a decade of poor development and stalled regeneration, while poverty had weakened local councils.

The water sector was singled out for criticism by the prime minister, who described it as a “leaking monument” to a system in which the country has been governed in the private rather than the public interest.

Later this year, Burnham said, his government would set out proposals for “stronger public control” of critical services.

However, he did not say that the water industry would be nationalised immediately. Instead, when questioned about water, he said the government should consider “all possible solutions”.

Burnham’s wider argument is that greater public ownership and control can benefit communities and support economic prosperity. Devolving political and economic powers to regions is also a key part of his plans.

Drawing on his ten years as mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham claimed to have developed a “clear theory of growth” based on giving regions greater control over their own economic futures.

He said his government would oversee the “biggest redistribution of power this country has seen”.

Proposals for the next phase of English devolution have already been published by the government. According to Burnham, these would provide mayors with powers they have long demanded, including greater financial control, responsibility for employment support and post-16 technical education.

He also said that areas of England without devolved powers would have the opportunity to gain greater authority.

Cornwall is one area involved in discussions over a possible devolution deal. Burnham said the government would negotiate a deal “with or without an elected mayor” with Cornwall Council and its MPs.

He also expressed an interest in exploring a “local model of devolution” in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Burnham’s policies, accusing him of proposing “more government control, more taxes, and more politicians”.

She also questioned Burnham’s approach to economic growth and warned that being prime minister would require difficult compromises.

Burnham’s speech covered a wide range of public policy issues. He claimed that the government had already reduced business rates for bars, social clubs and live music venues, as well as cutting VAT on electricity bills.

He also said that the £2 bus fare cap would be restored across England outside London for the whole of 2027.

Burnham stated that the government would give all regions greater powers to increase the supply of public housing. He also linked increased council housebuilding with efforts to lower rents and address the rising cost of welfare.

On renewable energy, the prime minister said his government would take a practical approach to ensure the transition is as efficient and affordable as possible.

Burnham returned to the Commons during the summer recess period after becoming prime minister on July 20, 2026. According to parliamentary records, he currently represents Makerfield and holds the positions of Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.

His first Commons statement has therefore provided an early indication of the government’s priorities.

Greater public housing, increased devolution and stronger public control over essential services are central to Burnham’s strategy.

The government’s promised plans for stronger public control are expected later this year, with the next challenge being to turn these commitments into concrete policies and legislation.

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