The column argues that Andy Burnham’s early interventions on homelessness, bus fares, pub business rates, social housing and social care contradict his previous commitment to localism. It says these policies risk further centralising services that are better managed by councils, communities and local organisations, and warns that national announcements can overlook local needs.

It cites an estimated 15,000–18,000 rough sleepers in the UK, while questioning whether Burnham’s proposed 1,200 social homes and £340m homelessness funding would reach those most in need. The writer also criticises a £1,100 business-rates cut for pubs as too small, raises concerns that rental regulation could reduce available low-cost homes, and points to the former Pathfinder scheme as a cautionary example of centralised housing policy.