The Great North calls for a new partnership between government and northern leaders

The Great North has today called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Government to build a new partnership with northern leaders that puts devolution at the heart of national renewal, welcoming their former colleague to Number 10.

In an open letter to the Prime Minister, northern mayors and leaders, including Cllr Stephen Atkinson, chair of the Lancashire Combined County Authority, called for a devolution-first approach that gives northern leaders the powers, investment and freedoms needed to drive growth, strengthen communities and deliver greater prosperity across the country.

It argues devolution has already transformed local leadership across the north, but the next step must be a more fundamental shift in the relationship between central government and England’s largest economic region.

Mr Burnham, a founding member of The Great North when mayor of Greater Manchester, has made devolution the centre piece of his agenda for government, including establishing a Number 10 North to rebalance power and prosperity across the country.

The Great North says the north should be recognised as a strategic partner in the governance of the United Kingdom, alongside the devolved nations, with a stronger collective voice in national decision-making that reflects its scale, economic weight and democratic leadership.

Cllr Atkinson said: “Lancashire has a vital role to play in the future of the north, and I strongly support the call for people and places here to have a greater voice in the decisions that affect their lives, communities and local economies.

“For Lancashire, devolution is about partnership and practical delivery. As a combined county authority, we are working collectively with our partners to secure the powers, investment and flexibility needed to deliver better transport, stronger public services and more opportunities for our residents and businesses.

“A stronger north is good for Lancashire and good for the country. We want to work constructively with government and with northern leaders to make sure Lancashire’s communities are heard, our economic strengths are recognised, and growth reaches every part of our county.”