Talking-up Scotland follower, Scunnert, Grannies for Independence @Scunnert2 has asked us to investigate:

Economic free zones, how they’re used by English mayors to hand public assets to private firms and are basically above the law. ‘Burnham’s neck deep in them.‘

The Herald and other MSM operating in Scotland are running with a report from Enlighten, Lord Jack McConnells ‘think tank’ arguing:

Reform Scotland, the independent, non-partisan think tank, today calls on the incoming Scottish Government to endorse the creation of an elected mayoralty in every Scottish local authority.

In its new report, ‘Local Heroes: Why Scotland Needs Directly-Elected Mayors’ (Download below), produced in partnership with the Scottish Policy Foundation, the think tank concludes that local democratic accountability has been eroded since devolution, and recommends a mayor directly elected by all voters across the authority area, working alongside proportionately-elected ward councillors.

Reform Scotland’s report finds that mayoralties would create a more transparent and vibrant environment, drive local economies, and enhance local awareness of the work of councils.

Former First Minister Lord McConnell will today (Wednesday) participate in a Zoom discussion, along with former Cabinet Minister Lord Adonis, on how to revitalise and empower local government.¹

Returning to @Scunnert2‘s question:

There are multiple reports—primarily investigative journalism, parliamentary scrutiny, and an official independent review—detailing controversies around English mayors (especially metro mayors) and associated bodies in or linked to economic free zones like Freeports. These focus on the transfer or favourable disposal of public assets (notably land) to private companies, often with accusations of insufficient transparency, questionable value for money, and governance practices that critics argue operated with reduced scrutiny or outside normal public-sector norms.²

The most prominent and extensively reported case is the Teesside Freeport (the UK’s largest) and the associated Teesworks regeneration project on the former Redcar steelworks site (Europe’s largest brownfield site) in the Tees Valley. This falls under the oversight of Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen (Conservative) via the South Tees Development Corporation (STDC), a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) with special powers for land acquisition, remediation, and disposal.³

The publicly owned site was cleaned up at significant public expense (over £560 million in public funds committed or spent, with little initial private cash input). Land or options on it were transferred or granted to Teesworks Ltd, a joint venture. Private partners (local developers Chris Musgrave and Martin Corney) saw their stake rise dramatically—from an initial 50:50 public-private split (or lower) to 90% private ownership. Specific deals included options or sales at very low prices, such as £1 per acre or a notable plot acquired for just £100.⁴

Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs), enabled under English devolution deals, give metro mayors enhanced powers over specific regeneration areas. These include compulsory purchase, land disposal, and sometimes acting as the local planning authority. ⁵

Andy Burnham has faced recent accusations and legal scrutiny over the GMCA’s housing investment fund (around £1 billion in public loans for development).

Key points from reports (mainly 2026 coverage, including court cases):

• £600–800 million total to companies linked to one developer, Renaker/Daren Whitaker, went to luxury skyscraper projects in central Manchester rather than primarily affordable housing as some critics claim was promised.
• Allegations of preferential treatment/cronyism: One developer receiving the bulk of funding while others struggled; loans continuing despite alleged breaches.
• Due diligence and governance issues: A court heard claims of “deeply flawed” analysis, failure to obtain proper statements of assets/liabilities from the developer’s backer, and inadequate checks that left taxpayers exposed. One hearing involved £140 million in specific loans.⁶

Sources:

1. https://www.enlighten.scot/publication/local-heroes-why-scotland-needs-directly-elected-mayors/
2. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/29/teesworks-review-criticises-freeport-project-secrecy-value-for-money-transparency
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teesside_Freeport
4. https://tribunemag.co.uk/2024/02/the-teesworks-scandal-exposes-britains-crony-economy
5. https://www.planninglawblog.com/development-corporation-series-part-2-mayoral-dcs/
6. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/06/27/1bn-manc-hattan-scandal-looming-burnham-leadership/