Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.

Report: Andy Burnham Premiership Could Boost Regional Growth

A report by Property Industry Eye examines the potential impact of an Andy Burnham premiership on regional economic growth. The article highlights Burnham’s experience as a city-region mayor and discusses the role of devolution, housing, and infrastructure in supporting growth across the UK.

The report notes that Greater Manchester has demonstrated how councils of different political backgrounds can collaborate across boundaries to make strategic decisions. This collaborative approach has contributed to Manchester’s strengths in sectors such as science and technology, life sciences, digital industries, financial services, and advanced manufacturing, as well as the growth of universities and town centres.

The article references the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, which strengthens the role of mayors and strategic authorities. However, it states that powers alone are not sufficient to deliver homes, improve railways, or provide the necessary utilities for growth. The report argues that central government must provide regions with adequate funding, flexibility, and confidence to use these powers effectively.

Housing is identified as a key area where a more devolved approach could allow local authorities and partners to explore a wider range of delivery models, including public-sector housing, partnerships with private developers, and more sophisticated Build to Rent (BTR) schemes. The report suggests that different markets require different solutions, and that national policy should set clear standards while giving regions more freedom in how outcomes are achieved.

The article also emphasises the importance of integrating housing with infrastructure, including transport, energy, water, digital connectivity, and social infrastructure. For the North West, progress on projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail and improved connections between Manchester, Liverpool, and neighbouring regions is highlighted as essential for supporting growth.

The report concludes that economic transformation requires sustained vision and expertise, and that a future government could strengthen the foundations for regional growth by prioritising delivery over short-term announcements.