The UK government has launched a new administrative presence in Manchester, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirming that civil servants are already working from the site. The initiative, referred to as "No10 North," is intended to serve as a key driver of economic growth outside London.

According to a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, the facility is located at GCHQ’s Heron House in the city and will not require additional taxpayer funding. The Prime Minister plans to work from the Manchester base at least one day per week as part of efforts to promote regional economic development.

Sunak addressed the Cabinet to emphasize the government’s commitment to devolution, stating that resistance to it had come to an end and highlighting the administration’s focus on accelerating growth and service delivery across the country. This message aligns with a broader push to decentralize government functions and foster economic activity beyond the capital.

Mayor Burnham, speaking alongside Dame Antonia Romeo, the head of the Civil Service, underscored the importance of improved collaboration between ministers and civil servants. Burnham stressed the need for a unified “one-team approach” to advance key government objectives, including measures to address the rising cost of living.

Romeo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that successful delivery of public services and government priorities depends on coordinated effort and shared direction among all parties involved. The establishment of No10 North is seen as a practical step toward achieving these goals by placing more decision-making and resource allocation closer to regional centers.

These developments come amid ongoing debates over the balance of power between Westminster and regional governments, with the new base representing a tangible move to support the government’s stated ambition of “levelling up” economic opportunities throughout the United Kingdom.