England’s mayors should face greater scrutiny as powers expand, thinktank says

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-22T23:11:31.712Z • Permanent link

England's devolution agenda is poised to expand, with mayors gaining control of billions in funding. However, a recent report from IPPR North suggests that this increased autonomy could be derailed if mayors are not held to account. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has been a key proponent of devolution, arguing that it will bring greater economic growth and improved public services to regions outside of London. Burnham's plan, known as the "Northern Powerhouse," aims to give mayors more control over their own budgets and allow them to make decisions that are tailored to their specific regions. However, critics argue that this could lead to a lack of accountability, as mayors may use their new powers to benefit themselves and their allies rather than the people they serve.

Meanwhile, data from the UK's Office for National Statistics shows that the devolution agenda has already had a significant impact on regional economic growth. The North of England, in particular, has seen a surge in investment and job creation, with many major companies setting up operations in the region. However, not all regions are benefiting equally, with some areas experiencing declining populations and economic stagnation. This raises concerns about the fairness and equity of the devolution agenda, and whether it is truly benefiting all regions of England.

Critics of the devolution agenda are also concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability that will come with it. Andy Burnham has faced criticism for his handling of the pandemic, with some accusing him of being too slow to respond to the crisis. If mayors are given more control over their own budgets, it could be difficult to track exactly how the money is being spent, and whether it is being used effectively. This lack of transparency and accountability could undermine trust in the devolution agenda and make it harder to achieve its goals.

The devolution agenda is part of a larger trend towards greater regional autonomy in the UK. The Scottish National Party's victory in the 2011 Scottish Parliament election marked a significant shift towards greater devolution, with the Scottish Government gaining control over many areas of policy. However, the success of the Scottish devolution agenda has been mixed, with some arguing that it has led to greater economic growth but also created new tensions between Scotland and the rest of the UK. Meanwhile, the Welsh Government has also been devolving power to local authorities, with some arguing that this will lead to greater economic growth and improved public services.

Historically, devolution has been a complex and contentious issue in the UK. The 1998 Good Friday Agreement, for example, established the Northern Ireland Assembly and devolved power to local authorities in Northern Ireland. However, the agreement also created tensions between the UK and Irish governments, with some arguing that it undermined the UK's ability to make decisions on behalf of its citizens. If the devolution agenda is to succeed, it will need to navigate these complex historical and cultural tensions.

The devolution agenda has significant implications for companies and research communities across the UK. Many major companies, such as Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover, have already set up operations in regions outside of London, and are likely to continue to do so as the devolution agenda progresses. This could lead to increased economic growth and job creation in these regions, but also raises concerns about the impact on London and the rest of the UK. Research communities, meanwhile, will be closely watching the devolution agenda, as it has the potential to shape the direction of research and innovation in the UK.