Will Andy Burnham's devolution plan raise economic growth?

Key Points:

• Andy Burnham has pledged the "biggest rebalancing of power" in the UK by devolving powers from Whitehall to city regions like Greater Manchester, as well as extending devolution in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Greater London to boost economic growth.
• Despite extensive devolution in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland over the past 25 years, there has been no significant increase in their economic growth rates relative to the UK average, though some argue devolution may have prevented worse economic outcomes.
• Greater Manchester is seen as a positive example of devolution's impact, with powers over transport, housing, and skills contributing to better economic performance and increased investment, including initiatives like the Bee Network bus system.
• Comparisons with European countries suggest that greater devolution can help reduce economic disparities between capital cities and other major urban areas, a gap that remains pronounced between London and other UK cities.
• Burnham intends to maintain current fiscal rules and Labour manifesto commitments, which may limit borrowing or tax changes to fund devolution, while aiming to achieve more equal living conditions across Britain inspired by Germany's constitutional principles.