Will Andy Burnham’s Decentralization Plan Boost Economic Growth?

Some analysts have questioned whether those latest productivity figures are reliable. It is partly explained by errors in the data, External.

However, many economists think Greater Manchester has performed better than other UK city regions over the past 15 years – and argue that this is partly due to devolution, particularly in transport, planning and housing.

Devolution has helped deliver this record on housing, as the Mayor of Greater Manchester has the power to set the city’s housing strategy, direct housing investment funds and coordinate affordable housing programmes. Devolution has made it possible to increase investment because one of the roles of a regional mayor is to encourage companies to invest in an area, especially multinationals to create jobs and boost local growth.

Some economists point to the mayor’s control of the system, including B Network buses and the encouragement of private sector investment in central Manchester.

Andrew Carter of the CityCentre think tank said: “Manchester’s future is recognized (among Greater Manchester’s leadership) as a great city that offers many different opportunities.”

“They are ready to do what is required – build housing, support the expansion of the university, support research and development, try to promote the transport system, they support all kinds of things. And as a result, they become more attractive to foreign and domestic investment.”