Andy Burnham faces scrutiny over Manchester City and local tax reforms

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing criticism in Parliament regarding his stance on the Manchester City ownership situation. Following statements from the Premier League, Burnham has been scrutinized for his attempts to distance himself from the controversy surrounding the club's Arab owners, while simultaneously expressing concern over the potential loss of owners who have contributed to the modernization of Manchester.

Separately, the Prime Minister has introduced an economic proposal aimed at increasing autonomy for English mayors. The plan suggests that mayors would receive 20% of the increase in business rates revenue, replacing a portion of existing state grants. This measure is intended to encourage local investment and economic growth. The government plans to implement a safety mechanism to ensure minimum funding levels are maintained, with the new system potentially taking effect this coming April if approved before the budget.