Readers have responded to a Guardian editorial on Andy Burnham’s devolution agenda, with letters discussing the institutional mechanisms and regional representation needed for success.
Role of Nista
Rabbi Jeff Newman of Finchley, London, writes that the editorial rightly identifies the structural paradox of devolution – that it takes central power to give power away. He notes that the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (Nista), which sits jointly between the Treasury and the Cabinet Office, is an institutional mechanism that attempts to resolve this paradox. Nista merged the National Infrastructure Commission and the Infrastructure and Projects Authority in April 2025, with about 250 civil servants. Under Keir Starmer’s government, the Cabinet Office side was relatively weak, but under Louise Haigh’s new Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the balance may shift. Newman suggests that Nista could become the operational expression of the relationship between Haigh and John Healey, the new chancellor, which he says is central to whether Burnham’s ambitions survive Treasury orthodoxy. Healey’s pre-parliamentary background in disability rights and trade unions – at Mind and the Trades Union Congress – indicates a chancellor whose instincts may align with the “preventive state” agenda, Newman adds. He stresses that the stakes are high, referencing Denis Healey’s 1976 capitulation to Treasury orthodoxy.
Concerns over regional leaders
David Williams of Hexham, Northumberland, questions the ability of regional mayors and civic leaders to deliver devolution. He says that Burnham’s determination is laudable, but success depends on the capability, altruism, efficiency and drive of these leaders – many of whom are unknown to the public. Williams calls for Guardian profiles of these key regional ambassadors, noting his own experience in regional development and the crucial nature of these roles for economic growth.
Beyond Manchester
Tom Carr of Newcastle upon Tyne writes that while it is refreshing to hear of plans to decentralise government by opening a No 10 North in Manchester, the prime minister appears to identify Manchester as “the north”. Carr argues that the north of England is much more than the Manchester conurbation, and that a double-centre approach will not achieve the aims of improving every postcode in the country.
