Regional mayors across the United Kingdom will take on a bigger role in shaping the country's economic policy, according to Prime Minister Andy Burnham. He announced the revival of the National Economic Council (NEC), a body originally created by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown during the 2008 financial crisis. Burnham described the move as part of the opening of 'No 10 North' and called it 'the biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen.'
The NEC is intended to bring the same urgency and collective action to economic growth that was applied during the 2008 crash. Burnham stated that 'no one in government loses when power is shared,' emphasizing that regional leaders will now have a direct hand in policy decisions. The plan aims to decentralize power from London and give more influence to areas outside the capital.
This development marks a significant shift in UK governance, as regional mayors are expected to collaborate with central government on economic strategies. The exact details of how the council will operate and which specific policies it will address have not been fully outlined. However, the initiative signals a new era of shared decision-making between national and regional authorities.
The move has been welcomed by some as a step toward greater regional equality. Critics may question how effectively power can be redistributed while maintaining national coherence. For now, the government is moving forward with plans to integrate regional voices into core economic planning.