Andy Burnham is now Prime Minister, and his premiership signals a major shift in devolution that could significantly impact the West Midlands. The King of the North has ascended, but what does this mean for Birmingham and its surrounding region?
Birmingham's Housing Crisis Exposed
Two Labour councillors, Marcus Bernasconi (North Edgbaston) and Shuranjeet Singh (Soho and Jewellery Quarter), have accused Birmingham City Council of making it 'too easy' for bad actors to open supported exempt accommodation properties that cause community problems. Bernasconi claimed providers have identified 'soft touch individuals' on the housing benefits team who readily approve payments, potentially enabling 'mass fraud'. He has called for the publication of an internal investigation into similar claims conducted earlier this year.
Astonishing new figures show Birmingham now has 12,166 exempt properties housing 33,904 people, the vast majority with no connection to the city. The council has also defeated an appeal against its use of antisocial behaviour powers to remove 'to-let' signs in Selly Park and Bournbrook.
Burnham's Devolution Plans
Burnham's premiership is built on his reputation as the King of the North, cemented during his time as Greater Manchester mayor. His 'Number 10 North' plan will establish a Downing Street outpost in Manchester, aiming to turbo-charge devolution and shift powers from Whitehall to the regions. This could be the biggest such shift ever seen.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker emphasised the importance of batting for the region, but there are concerns Birmingham might lose out as Manchester steams ahead. Burnham owes much to former Manchester leaders Richard Leese and Sir Howard Bernstein, who laid the groundwork for the combined authority from the 1990s.
What's Next for the West Midlands?
Britain remains one of Europe's most centralised countries, with decisions on spending in the West Midlands largely made in London. Burnham's devolution push could change that, but the practicalities remain unclear. The West Midlands has already secured a landmark devolution deal, but the risk of being overshadowed by Manchester is real.
