Andy Burnham is poised to challenge existing criteria for infrastructure funding in the United Kingdom, aiming to shift the focus from traditional financial cost-benefit analyses toward a model that prioritizes social value and regional need. The current system, governed by the Treasury’s Green Book methodology, has long been criticized for favoring projects in London and the South-East, leaving northern regions at a disadvantage despite demonstrated economic and social requirements.

Burnham is expected to outline his vision during a forthcoming speech in Liverpool, a city that has benefited from significant regeneration projects funded by the European Union before Brexit. One high-profile example is the redevelopment of the Liverpool waterfront, including the creation of the Liverpool One shopping centre. These projects were prioritized under EU funding frameworks that emphasized social impact rather than strict financial returns, which also helped attract substantial private investment. This approach contrasts sharply with the UK Treasury’s traditional funding model, which evaluates proposals primarily on quantitative economic returns.

Despite an internal Treasury study in 2020 acknowledging the inherent bias within the Green Book framework, little has changed to address these disparities. Burnham’s proposal aims to institutionalize a funding approach that better reflects the needs of regions outside the South-East, a priority aligned with broader “levelling up” commitments previously championed by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. However, Johnson’s decision to take the UK out of the EU also curtailed access to the social-value-focused funding streams that benefited northern projects.

While Burnham’s plans signal a potential reorientation of infrastructure priorities, significant questions remain regarding the source of funding to support these ambitions. Budget constraints and allocation remain unresolved, with details expected to be addressed in Chancellor John Healey’s forthcoming budget. Burnham’s proposals also underscore his expressed regret over losing EU funding mechanisms, which may influence his reported desire to pursue closer ties with Brussels and even explore rejoining the EU.

To transform his proposed Office for Infrastructure Projects into an effective institution capable of delivering tangible outcomes, Burnham will need to secure adequate financial resources. Until then, debates over prioritization and funding approaches will continue, leaving the future of UK infrastructure investment reform uncertain.