Burnham will divert ‘significant’ resources out of civil service, says No. 10 North chief
Caroline Simpson, deputy chief of staff for the UK's 'No. 10 North' office, announced plans to shift significant civil service resources from central government to local mayoral authorities. This initiative aims to reduce the size of the central civil service while increasing regional administrative power.
Why it matters
This represents a major structural shift in British governance, attempting to address long-standing criticisms of over-centralization in the UK political system.
Caroline Simpson, the No. 10 deputy chief of staff, tells POLITICO England remains “one of the most centralized countries in the Western Hemisphere.”
Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Andy Burnham speaks with staff as he visits Wolverhampton Bus Station, as part of his summer tour on August 18, 2026 in Wolverhampton. | Pool photo by Hannah McKay/WPA via Getty Images Exclusive August 21, 2026 4:15 am CET By Dan Bloom LONDON — Andy Burnham will divert “significant” resources out of Britain’s civil service in order to funnel officials into councils and mayoral bodies in England, the official leading the U.K. prime minister’s devolution unit has indicated to POLITICO.
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