Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham proposed public ownership for water and electricity networks. He stated that essential services should prioritize public interest over private interests.

Burnham indicated that nationalization should be an option for water companies like Thames Water, stating, "Public ownership is absolutely an option. I would say for Thames Water, that is what should be done." The proposal includes taking over water companies over approximately 10 years as they experience failures or their franchises are renewed. This framework references a railway public ownership plan initiated by Louise Haigh, who serves as Burnham's campaign manager and previously as transport secretary. The proposed utility model also draws from water service structures in Berlin and Paris, where utilities operate as independent organizations with majority municipal government shareholding and include board representation for workers and residents.

Regarding energy, the proposal involves transferring grid operations, currently managed by National Grid, to public ownership. Regional electricity distribution networks would also move to public ownership. However, the plan maintains private ownership for power generation and consumer electricity sales. Burnham pledged to adhere to existing government borrowing rules and not to raise income tax, value-added tax, or national insurance. He also stated he would consider reducing certain employers' national insurance contributions.

Additional policy proposals include reducing business rates for pubs and small businesses. Burnham initially supported Waspi women regarding state pension age changes but later clarified he would not support paying them compensation. Other components of the policy proposal include a one-year freeze on private rents and implementing a cap on bus fares. The plan also suggests removing green levies from electricity bills and funding them through taxation.

No independent assessment of Andy Burnham’s claims was available.