Despatch: Ben Houchen – we need real devolution

Give Andy Burnham his due. He has been arguing for devolution for the best part of a decade. But Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen says that’s what makes the Prime Minister’s recent announcements so dispiriting. Burnham says he wants Whitehall to give power away, but he seems determined to grip tighter than ever.

Houchen argues that handing over a share of business rates and income tax counts for little if mayors are restricted from choosing how to spend the money – or whether to offer a tax rebate instead. The proposed arrangement is more like pocket money with strings attached – devolution in name only.

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