Investment Attraction

Greater Manchester faced significant challenges in local governance and public service delivery, particularly in the areas of education, transport, housing, and regeneration. The region sought greater autonomy and resources to address these issues effectively. The Mayor and local leaders advocated for a more integrated approach to technical education, aiming to transform Greater Manchester into the UK's first technical education city-region. This involved securing a partnership with the Department for Education to oversee post-16 technical education and skills, ensuring that educational offerings align with local job market needs.

In transport, Greater Manchester aimed to develop a London-style integrated public transport system known as the Bee Network by 2030. The new devolution deal provided the region with additional responsibilities over local rail services and bus franchising, allowing for improved connectivity and simplified fare structures. This included the establishment of a Rail Partnership with Great British Railways to pilot integrated fares and ticketing, enhancing the public transport experience for residents.

Housing and regeneration were also focal points of the devolution deal. Greater Manchester secured £150 million in brownfield funding, enabling the construction of 7,000 homes over the next three years. This funding aimed to address the quality of housing and support urban regeneration efforts, including the establishment of the Greater Manchester Good Landlord Scheme to combat rogue landlords.

The deal introduced a single funding settlement for Greater Manchester, a first for an English region, which would streamline financial resources and enhance local decision-making capabilities. This new funding model aimed to reduce the bureaucratic burden of multiple funding applications and allow for more strategic investment in local priorities.

Overall, the devolution deal represented a significant breakthrough for Greater Manchester, providing the region with the tools and resources necessary to improve the lives of its 2.8 million residents and 124,000 businesses. The focus on accountability and governance was also emphasized, with new arrangements for reporting and public scrutiny to ensure that the local leadership remains responsive to the needs of the community.