Leaders hail progress a year after devo deal

GREATER Manchester’s leaders have hailed the progress made in the last 12 months since the signing of the so-called “Devo-Manc” deal with the Government.

Interim Mayor Tony Lloyd said that while for many businesses and people “devolution feels remote”, he pledged the agreement had made an impact at local level, and pledged “dramatic progress” will be seen in the future.

The former Manchester MP and Police and Crime Commissioner said: “One year in, it’s understandable that devolution still feels remote to many Greater Manchester people and businesses who may wonder what positive difference it is making to their lives.

“But we’ve come a huge distance in the last year, are already starting to see some of the dividends and will continue to make dramatic progress in the years ahead.

“Let’s be clear on this. Devolution is neither an extra layer of government nor powers being taken away from individual councils. What it is doing is moving decision-making in certain key areas from London to Greater Manchester – enabling us to tailor those decisions to local needs and priorities.

“I’m confident that people will increasingly see real differences – whether it’s better transport, better health or better support in finding or progressing in work.”

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester council and vice chair of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said: “There is clear evidence from around the world that cities which are empowered to shape their own destinies are the most successful, allowing their people and businesses to thrive.

“But the UK has become one of the most centralised countries in Europe. Greater Manchester has long pressed the case for greater freedom and it’s encouraging how much progress has been made, both in securing the devolution deal and since. I’m confident we are building firm foundations for a brighter future for the 2.7 million people who live in this area.”

Greater Manchester’s Combined Authority – which is struck the deal with Westminster on November 3 2014 said ist biggest achievements so far include the £6bn a year agreement on health and social care integration, meaning that from April 2016 the region will control its entire health and social care budget.

On transport, a Buses Bill will give Greater Manchester the power to franchise bus services – ensuring they provide the best possible service for customers and support Greater Manchester’s economic growth.  

The ability to examine options to take increased responsibility for rail stations in Greater Manchester is also pledged.

The combined authority s overseeing the largest transport investment programme outside London. New powers to control an ‘earn back’ budget of around £30m over a 30 year period are enabling key schemes such as the extension of Metrolink to Trafford Park to be brought forward.

A difference has been made in business support too. The Greater Manchester Investment Fund has seen almost £150m of funding loaned to Greater Manchester businesses, supporting and creating 6,188 jobs since 2013. Other business support services have helped create around 5,000 jobs and safeguard almost 3,500 more.

On housing, the COmbined Authority said work is “progressing well” on a Spatial Framework, a plan to identify the land needed to meet current and future growth needs, especially for housing and business space. A consultation on its vision and growth options will be launched next week.

Greater Manchester Housing Fund is helping address the area’s need for extra housing. It has already awarded £66m of funding to deliver more than 1,000 new homes.