Devolving real power could lead to regional growth – but Andy Burnham will need to be brave

By David Bailey, Professor of Business Economics, University of Birmingham
Felicia Fai, Professor of Innovation & Regional Growth, Co-director of Centre for Governance, Regions and Industrial Strategy (CGRIS), University of Bath
Phil Tomlinson, Professor of Industrial Strategy & Regional Development, Co-Director Centre for Governance, Regions and Industrial Strategy (CGRIS), University of Bath

Andy Burnham says he wants to change how Britain works. Part of his plan involves shifting power out of London to the regions, in the belief that economic growth for the whole country will follow.

The prime minister refers to this as “rewiring the state”. He has long argued that the UK’s economic challenges cannot be separated from its political centralisation.

And there is plenty of evidence to support this…

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