UK prime minister Burnham said his sweeping devolution package unveiled this
week will "strengthen the case for a written constitution." The blueprint,
billed as a "new model of government," goes further than earlier proposals by
shifting large swathes of public spending control and local tax powers from
Whitehall and independent bodies to mayors and other local leaders. Authorities
would gain control over local transport, housing, innovation, energy, cultural
investment and skills, plus greater oversight of policing and healthcare; they
would receive a share of income tax revenue starting in 2028.
