Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Manchester office sparks taxpayer-cost controversy

Andy Burnham announced the creation of No. 10 North, a new government office in Manchester's Heron House, describing it as a centre to drive economic growth and decentralise power from Westminster. The Cabinet Office disclosed that establishing the office has cost taxpayers almost £49,000, covering branding, crockery, a replica Downing Street door, IT infrastructure, and other furnishings. The release did not include ongoing expenses such as staff wages, ministerial travel, or the security budget, which reports suggest runs into tens of millions of pounds.

Burnham plans to be present at the Manchester site at least once a week, and ministers will also travel north regularly, further increasing costs. Opponents contend the initiative is a costly photo-op that fails to tackle Britain’s deeper economic problems, while supporters argue spreading power across the country is worthwhile despite the price tag.