Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has called for a new Barnett-style funding formula for the English regions.
Burnham made the call during a speech at the “These Islands” conference in Newcastle at the end of last week.
The much-debated Barnett Formula is the mechanism used by the Treasury to distribute funds to Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. It was originally viewed as “short-term” funding fix in the run up to reforms in 1979. It has faced widespread criticism, including a 2009 House of Lords report which said it should no longer be used for assessing increased funding levels.
In a widely reported speech, Burnham said a new funding settlement is needed for the English regions and called for more devolution in England.
“Devolution to place is unifying and creates a healthier politics and would result in a happier and politically healthier UK as a consequence,” Burnham said.
