A TaxPayers’ Alliance analysis claims Andy Burnham’s devolution plans could increase taxpayers’ costs by expanding the number of highly paid regional government officials. It argues that staffing has already grown sharply in areas with directly elected mayors as combined authorities assume more responsibilities, prompting criticism that devolution could create an expensive additional tier of government.

Across six combined authorities with available data, the number of staff earning at least £50,000 rose by 200% between 2019/20 and 2023/24; in Greater Manchester, the increase was 236%, while the West Midlands recorded a 175% rise. Staff costs across nine combined authorities doubled over five years to £341 million annually, with some chief executives earning more than senior Whitehall officials. The Government said local authorities set their own wages and should spend responsibly, while arguing that devolution would support growth and improve public services.