Story perspectives

Burnham Vows Local Fiscal Devolution, New Refugee Pathways

6/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Burnham will pledge “growth in every postcode” by shifting decision-making power from Whitehall to local authorities.
He says the Treasury must partner with localities for fiscal devolution and will grant councils new powers over business rates.
The immigration bill he backs will create two refugee routes—community sponsorship and a university-student scheme—to admit thousands annually.
Labour allies warn that ignoring fiscal rules and tax pledges could unsettle markets and unions.

History

Historical Context

After the 1997 referendums created the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly in 1999, Wales gained primary tax powers in 2014 and over £2 billion of income tax was devolved by 2019, while Scotland acquired income-tax and land-transaction powers in 2012 and 2016. Treasury minister Jeremy Burnham’s 2024 pledge to let English councils set business rates echoes these devolution milestones.

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Story summary

Burnham will pledge “growth in every postcode” by shifting decision-making power from Whitehall to local authorities.
He says the Treasury must partner with localities for fiscal devolution and will grant councils new powers over business rates.
The immigration bill he backs will create two refugee routes—community sponsorship and a university-student scheme—to admit thousands annually.
Labour allies warn that ignoring fiscal rules and tax pledges could unsettle markets and unions.

1 / 2