As Prime Minister Andy Burnham starts his new life in Downing Street, attention is turning to whether No10 North, one of the most prominent initiatives of his early premiership, can shift decision-making beyond London.

Burnham chaired a meeting of the National Economic Council at the Manchester-based office last week and met officials, regional leaders and business representatives. He described it as “the place where Whitehall meets the rest of the country” and a “situation room for growth”.

Burnham will work there for at least one day a week, while other ministers will use the office regularly. Its significance, however, will ultimately be judged by whether government funding and authority move north with the prime minister.

No10 North is based at Heron House in central Manchester and forms part of the newly created Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. It will co-ordinate policies on regional growth, devolution and investment involving government departments, regional mayors and businesses.

According to the government, its main vehicle will be the National Economic Council, which brings together ministers, mayors, trade unions and business groups. The structure gives regional leaders a more direct route into central economic decision-making.

Responsibility for local economic growth and devolution strategy will be transferred from the housing and communities ministry, while local growth policy will move from the Treasury.

The changes bring functions previously divided across Whitehall into the same operation. Burnham has said No10 North will end an era in which “power and resources have been sucked into the centre”. The office reflects his argument that excessive control by Whitehall has weakened regional economies and delayed major infrastructure projects.

Northern leaders have broadly welcomed the new government’s emphasis on devolution. In an open letter on 21st July, mayors and local leaders from the North Country called for a partnership offering regions greater powers, investment and financial freedoms, indicating that support for No10 North will depend on concrete commitments from the government.

But others argue that a new address alone cannot change how Britain is governed. Spending decisions remain heavily influenced by the Treasury, while transport, housing and industrial projects require co-operation across several departments.