Number 10 North Deputy Director Calls for Mindset Shift in Central Government

According to BBC UK, a deputy director stated that a "mindset shift" is required throughout the UK's central government to assist Number 10 North in achieving its objectives. Duncan Parish, speaking at a conference in Lincolnshire on Wednesday, indicated that there are "institutional challenges" within the government that must be addressed to facilitate change.

The Manchester office of Number 10 North, which functions as a counterpart to London's Downing Street, was established by Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July. Political opponents of Burnham have labeled the office a "gimmick" and have voiced concerns regarding the transparency of the associated expenses.

Parish, who previously worked in the civil service before relocating to Manchester four years ago, remarked that his tenure in the civil service had "not been without its frustrations" and noted that "friction" can exist between various government departments that possess "similar but ever so slightly competing objectives."

Parish mentioned that one of Number 10 North's primary goals is to "shift power and accountability" closer to local regions, though he acknowledged that this necessitates reforming the civil service by avoiding the separation of national, regional, and local government.

Regarding the measurement of success for Number 10 North, Parish suggested that the ultimate indicator will be whether people across the UK perceive improvements in their communities, such as enhanced opportunities, better living standards, quicker decisions, more integrated services, and stronger community representation.

In response to a parliamentary question, Jameson stated that the cost of Number 10 North is "not centrally collated" but is being covered by "existing departmental budgets."

Number 10 North's upcoming summit of regional mayors, which will be held in its "situation room" on Thursday, was mentioned. Parish also stated that Number 10 North's second focus on growth is to resolve issues that have become stalled or where internal government boundaries create obstacles.

Mike Wood, a Conservative shadow minister, previously expressed concerns in a House of Commons debate regarding the lack of information and transparency surrounding Number 10 North, which he characterized as a "gimmick," questioning how much the office costs, how many people are employed there, and their attendance rates, calling for the publication of annual budget, staff levels, and office attendance statistics. Cabinet Office minister Sally Jameson had previously indicated that the government did not possess information on the expenditure on hotels for Number 10 North staff, ministers, and special advisers traveling between London and Manchester since its opening.