The leader of Greater Manchester has outlined plans to establish a new regional hub dubbed “No 10 North” in Manchester, aimed at accelerating devolution and coordinating economic renewal across northern England. The initiative, announced by Andy Burnham, signals a shift away from a centralized approach to governance, with Burnham committing to spend a significant portion of his time working from the new base.

Burnham emphasized the importance of delivering “good growth in every postcode” by moving beyond the current “top-down” governmental model. Central to his vision is a decade-long mission focused on raising living standards through reindustrialization, expanded investment in housing and infrastructure, and reforms to utilities. Among the key proposals is bringing energy and water companies under public ownership, a move designed to address affordability and service quality issues.

The plan also seeks to tackle concerns about youth unemployment and underemployment, which remain pressing challenges across the UK. A recent report by Alan Milburn highlighted that the number of young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET) could increase by 16 percent over the next five years, reaching more than 1.25 million. The study also noted that the UK has one of the highest rates of youth disengagement within the European Union, second only to Romania, with an estimated annual economic cost of £125 billion.

In addition to these regional and economic initiatives, Burnham has voiced his stance on national welfare and defense spending. He acknowledged a tension between the high welfare budget and the demands on defense funding but advocated against straightforward cuts. Instead, Burnham called for a preventative strategy aimed at addressing the root causes of welfare dependency, ensuring support systems are in place to reduce long-term costs. This approach, he argued, could reconcile the needs of both welfare recipients and national defense priorities.

To support employment, particularly among young people, Burnham proposes a ten-year investment strategy that would mandate government procurement contracts to include commitments for apprenticeships and work placements. This measure intends to foster skills development and improve labor market outcomes for future generations.

The creation of “No 10 North” represents a tangible effort to rebalance power and investment away from London and into regions like Greater Manchester. Through this framework, Burnham aims to drive inclusive economic growth, enhance public services, and promote a more sustainable approach to government spending over the coming decade.