As of this morning, we have a new Prime Minister. Although he’s from a different party to the one I represent, I genuinely wish Andy Burnham well. He’s taking office at a challenging time, and I hope he will live up to his promise to take a different approach to politics.

In particular, I hope that Burnham really means what he says when he talks about devolving power away from the centre. And I hope that by that, he means everywhere in this country, not just a few bungs to our friends in the north.

In 2024, the government, led by Burnham’s predecessor, imposed a massive increase in the housing target for Wychavon, almost doubling the number of properties we are expected to ensure are built. This year, because our planning officers and committee have had the temerity to refuse ever so slightly more applications than the government sees fit, developers have been given the option of bypassing our planning department and going straight to the planning inspectors for a decision.

Both of these are the complete antithesis of any commitment to devolution and localism.

Planning is always controversial, and there are going to be times when we do have to make decisions which are unpopular. It isn’t wrong to consider the needs and aspirations of future homeowners as well as those already on the housing ladder. Building for the next generation is a key part of our role in local government.

But these are decisions which are best taken by people who are fully familiar with all the local constraints and conditions. Our planning officers, who are specifically employed to assess applications and consider them in the context of our community. Our planning committee members, who act as the representatives of that community in the decision-making process.

If Andy Burnham really wants to put devolution into practice, then one of the best places to start would be the planning system. Put decision-making back into the hands of local communities. Allow communities to develop their own priorities, and let local circumstances play a key role on determining applications. If the government wants more houses built, then incentivise building by investing in critical infrastructure such as transport, education and healthcare rather than threatening communities with penalties for not building enough. Support the creation of strong, enforceable design codes which result in the kind of houses and streets that people actually want to live in.

Above all, make housing development community led, not numbers led. Anyone can sit at a desk in Whitehall and type figures into a spreadsheet. But only those who live and work in an area can put those figures into context.

So come on, Andy. Let’s see if you’re serious about real change.