The Times reports Andy Burnham will set out plans next week to devolve powers
and funding from central government to English regions, including greater
control for mayors and targeted funding for social housing, welfare and post-16
education. Whitehall departments will be asked to identify functions that could
transfer to local government, and Burnham may propose devolving a share of tax
revenues; if he remains the sole Labor leadership candidate he is expected to
be formally confirmed late next month (nominations close July 16).
