Andy Burnham’s central vision is for a devolved system of local government that promotes economic growth and fosters local pride. The prime minister’s approach resonates with something known as the “municipal gospel” that swept through Victorian cities in the late 19th century. This history offers some useful insights into the current challenges.
By the middle of the 19th century, Britain’s rapidly industrialising northern cities began to recognise that they had to take direct action to improve infrastructure and ameliorate poverty and slums. This approach became known as the “municipal gospel”. By the early 20th century, gas, water, local transport and electricity were mostly run – profitably – by municipal authorities (what would be councils today). These had often bought out the companies that provided them previously.
