Greater Manchester Grabs Massive Devolution Deal
Andy Burnham and Levelling Up Secretary Dehenna Davison have struck a landmark devolution deal that hands Greater Manchester more cash and local power. This massive win shifts control from Whitehall straight to local leaders, boosting transport, housing, skills, and culture.
Power and Pounds in Local Hands
- Long-term funding settled with local retention of 100% business rates for 10 years.
- Control over transport improvements including the Bee Network buses and rail integration by 2030.
- £400m investment pledge from Homes England by 2026.
- £150m for brownfield sites plus regeneration cash and homelessness support.
- New powers over post-16 education, skills funding, and careers advice.
- Funding to retrofit homes and slash energy bills across the region.
- Partnerships to boost Greater Manchester’s world-famous arts and culture scene.
- Roll-out support for high-speed broadband.
Political Heavyweights React
Dehenna Davison said:
“I’m proud to have agreed a historic and trailblazing new devolution deal. More powers, more money, and a louder local voice for this iconic region. Leaders taking decisions and being accountable to their communities is what true devolution looks like. From buses to affordable homes, this deal means real growth, better services, and more high-quality jobs.”
Andy Burnham added:
“This is our seventh devolution deal, but by far the deepest and most powerful. We now have the firepower to improve lives faster than ever. Control over education, housing, public transport, and a £150m regeneration pot. We’re set to be the UK’s first technical education city-region. With new accountability comes a responsibility we welcome. This deal marks a bold new era for Greater Manchester and English devolution.”
Big Wins for GM and Beyond
The deal deepens existing powers and brings fresh benefits for almost 3 million residents. It comes just days after Greater Manchester was named one of 12 new Investment Zones, bagging £80 million and tax breaks to turbocharge local growth.
Accountability measures are part of the deal, ensuring local leaders deliver value and can be held to account if they falter.
This is Greater Manchester taking the reins – with cash and clout – to transform its future.
