Prime Minister Andy Burnham has again promised a 10-year plan for Britain, but more than 100 days into his premiership, the details of what it will contain remain unclear.
Speaking on the day he became PM, Mr Burnham stood outside 10 Downing Street and announced plans to “bring forward a new plan for Britain, a 10-year plan, laying out a path from where we are now to where I believe we all want Britain to be, wherever we’re coming from, whatever party we support.”
His history suggests preparation for this role has been long in the making. He stood in the Labour leadership contest in 2010 and again in 2015. Later, as mayor of Greater Manchester, he observed first-hand how central government policies affected the regions of England.
Plan delayed after Budget
The plan was expected to be revealed, but last month’s Budget, delivered by Chancellor John Healey, contained no major policies – only “tinkering,” according to reports. Now, Mr Burnham has said the plan will come at the end of this year.
He told ITN: “It’s going to come at the end of this year. You’re talking 2027 to 2037, so it’s way beyond this Parliament.”
It has also emerged that a draft plan will be published first, followed by six to nine months of consultation, with the final version expected next year.
Key policy questions unanswered
Several major policy areas remain undefined. Mr Burnham has proposed a National Care Service similar to the NHS, where care is provided “free” in the sense that the recipient does not pay. However, it is unclear how this would be funded, with the triple lock changes announced by the PM unlikely to cover the cost.
On Europe, Mr Burnham has suggested bringing back freedom of movement, then appeared to deny saying it, and has also talked about rejoining the EU entirely. His position remains ambiguous.
He also wants to change the voting system, but has not clarified whether this means proportional representation or something else, nor whether a referendum would be held.
Plans to hand more powers to mayors raise further questions: what specific powers, whether they could levy their own income tax, and whether this would replace council tax or be in addition to it. A government paper due alongside the Budget has been delayed.
Unlike most party leaders, who face leadership elections and general election manifestos, Mr Burnham became PM after winning only the Makerfield by-election. While he has every right to be in No 10, his plans have not been thoroughly debated, leaving voters still waiting to see what his plan for Britain actually is.
