Title

DEVOLUTION

Burnham calls for English Barnett Formula

The Government should create an English version of the Barnett Formula to deliver fair funding outside of London, the mayor of Greater Manchester has said.

The Government should create an English version of the Barnett Formula to deliver fair funding outside of London, the mayor of Greater Manchester has said.

Andy Burnham argued that an English equivalent to the formula, which ensures that extra public spending in England is matched by additional funding for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, would end the ‘tyranny' of the Whitehall bidding culture.

Speaking at an event later today, Mayor Burnham is expected to say: ‘We have had 20 years where there has been a different deal on offer for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland compared to the rest of the UK and where London has had preferential treatment, and that cannot continue.

‘The hoarding of power at a national level is deeply unhealthy and the UK must embrace a more federal form of government, much deeper devolution to all parts of the UK and an English version of the Barnett Formula.'

DEVOLUTION

Neighbourhood health: Building prevention through community power

By Matt Skinner | 24 July 2026

With a new Prime Minister at the helm promising to help people to ‘live well’, Matt Skinner looks at why neighbourhood-led prevention, social care reform and...

DEVOLUTION

Whitehall devolution resistance 'over for good'

By Dan Peters | 24 July 2026

Whitehall resistance to devolution is ‘over for good’, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has insisted ahead of his first meeting at the newly-created No 10 North i...

DEVOLUTION

Making local growth happen

By David Godfrey | 23 July 2026

As Andy Burnham takes office, David Godfrey considers the further steps the Prime Minister could take to secure his commitment to local economic growth.

DEVOLUTION

Stronger together

By Rebecca Davis | 23 July 2026

Rebecca Davis outlines why collaboration is local government’s greatest strength – And how regional owned and led organisations have never been more important.

Popular articles by Laura Sharman