Greater Manchester Mayor and Deputy Mayor respond to Chancellor's Budget

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham

Responding to the Budget, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “The Budget had a number of welcome steps but Greater Manchester will need more from the Chancellor in the upcoming spending review if we are to face up to the big post-Brexit challenges.

“The skills funding package for Greater Manchester that’s been announced today is welcome but should only be another step on the journey towards full devolution of post-16 education.  

“The nearly £70 million of additional investment in transport from the Transforming Cities Fund in 2022-23 is also positive but I know people in Greater Manchester wanted to hear more from the Chancellor on the chaos that’s affecting commuters and harming the Northern economy now. Greater Manchester needs similar powers to London if we are to fix our roads and railways.

"That’s why I’m calling on people across Greater Manchester to join our campaign to Take Control of our Transport at takecontrolofourtransport.co.uk

“I also hope that the Government’s decision to refresh its Northern Powerhouse Strategy next year is a recognition of what Northern Leaders have been saying to Ministers over recent years.  The promises made to the North need to be delivered and the Northern Powerhouse urgently needs new momentum.  

“On the vital issue of social care, any new funding for social care is welcome and critically needed, but the Chancellor’s announcement doesn’t address the scale of social care underfunding.

"Rather than sticking plasters, we need a long-term settlement for social care to ensure older and disabled people get the care they need.”

Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime, Bev Hughes said: “The Chancellor had an opportunity to take a first step towards undoing years of damage to our communities and put community safety at the top of the national agenda. He failed to deliver and that is a real blow.

“Whilst additional investment in counter-terrorism is of course welcome, our local police play a vital role in working with communities to gather intelligence, protect them from extremism and build stronger cohesive neighbourhoods. The lack of consideration for a police service that has been stripped to the bone will do little to instil confidence in our residents who are bearing the brunt of years of cuts.

“In Greater Manchester, we have lost thousands of police officers in the face in unprecedented demand.  We shouldn’t have to go to the Government with a begging bowl, but the current financial picture combined with the additional funding gap created by the Treasury due to pension changes has left local policing in an untenable position.

“I had hoped this budget would deliver some respite, however we are now forced to wait and see what the Home Secretary pulls out of the hat in December.”