Gemma Dillon

During a visit to Bradford, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester would pilot region-led action against waste crime, including higher fly-tipping fines of up to £5,000 and driving-licence penalties. He backed Tracy Brabin’s plans for a West Yorkshire tram system linking Leeds with planned regeneration areas and said infrastructure value could help fund the scheme. Burnham also promised to review fire and rescue resources for wildfires and flooding, including the lack of aerial support and the services’ limited statutory role in flood response. He acknowledged the difficult summer facing British farmers, cited government support for grazing and farm reservoirs, and said food procurement in schools, hospitals and prisons could be changed to support domestic agriculture.

A Doncaster headteacher urged the UK government to fund retrofitting schools with air conditioning as heatwaves force some closures. He kept his school open with relaxed uniform rules but warned that older buildings are not designed for rising temperatures. A climate expert echoed the need for an emergency response to hotter conditions. The Department for Education said it is considering proposals to update temperature guidance for schools.

Plans by Andy Burnham aim to expand devolution across England by shifting power from Whitehall to local mayors, offering greater control over services, housing, transport and post‑16 education. Yorkshire’s mayors broadly welcome the proposals, hoping for progress on transit projects, housing and employment challenges. Experts caution that capacity constraints and funding gaps in local government could hinder implementation. Businesses respond with cautious optimism, highlighting potential benefits if regional autonomy increases. The proposals echo earlier devolution efforts, though Burnham’s experience as a mayor raises expectations for more substantive results.