Local residents asked to shape the future of Greater Manchester

The Greater Manchester Strategy consultation

‘What do you think Greater Manchester’s priorities should be?’ That’s what Greater Manchester’s Leaders are asking local residents as the city-region’s plan for the future is refreshed.

Initial results show that many residents believe the city-region’s top priorities should be improving transport, protecting the vulnerable and ensuring young people have better opportunities.

Leaders now want to know if local residents agree that these should be the city-region’s top priorities.

Greater Manchester Mayor, Tony Lloyd said; “This is a chance for everyone in Greater Manchester to shape the future of our city-region and I’m delighted that people have got involved and given us their views.

“As we pass the half way point of this conversation we are beginning to get a sense of respondents’ top priorities. Better transport, protecting the vulnerable and more opportunities for young people are among the most mentioned topics - but do people in Rochdale agree that these are the most important issues?

“Should Health and Social Care be our top priority instead, or should issues like better policing and affordable housing be top of the list?

“We need people in Rochdale to tell us what they think to really make this a plan for Greater Manchester, by Greater Manchester.”

Councillor Richard Farnell, the leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s vital that people in the borough of Rochdale have their say on the future direction of the Greater Manchester region.

“We want to have a strong voice in forging the ideas and policies that will help us create more opportunities for people while creating one of the best places to live in the country.”
These initial results have come from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Greater Manchester Strategy consultation.

The Greater Manchester Strategy will set out GM’s plan to create one of the world's leading city-regions with a thriving economy. Greater Manchester will be a dynamic, innovative, creative place to live, work and invest in. Our people will enjoy good health and a high quality of life. No-one will be held back. No-one will be left behind.

To make this vision a reality, Greater Manchester Leaders have started a city-region wide conversation to help shape the new Strategy. Participants are able to give wide-ranging, general views on how they want to see Greater Manchester progress or discuss specific topics that matter to them.

Everyone who lives and works in Greater Manchester can have their say on the city-region’s future at - greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/greatermcr

Young people are being given the chance to share their vision for the city-region’s future through postcards that are being distributed to local schools.