Let’s go forward together to make our region the best
Andy Burnham was elected the first mayor of Greater Manchester in May. Here, he reflects on his first seven months in office, and looks ahead to 2018... HIS year I left the old, now have to improve local point-scoring, Westminster buses and by holding transport politics bosses to account I behind and I’ve not missed believe we can make 2018 it for a second. the year when we get the
I spent 16 years as MP for transport system we need the brilliant people of Leigh for a 21st Century cityregion. and I tried to fight that London-centric culture that still But as we look forward pervades in this country. In we will never forget all of the end, I concluded the those affected by the best way to make real horrific Manchester Arena change was to leave that attack. Many of us are still system behind and challenge coming to terms with what it from the outside. happened and the city is
After all, that is what still recovering. Manchester has been doing Those who attacked for centuries. us sought to divide us but
In 2018 our city-region they failed. will celebrate 100 years of The spirit of Manchester Women’s suffrage – a movement shone through in that began in Moss our darkest time and it Side – 150 years of the Trade remains as strong as ever. Union Congress – founded Just last week we saw the in Manchester’s Mechanics teddies that were left in tribute Institute, and 70 years since at St Ann’s Square being the opening of the first NHS given out to children after Hospital in Trafford. being cared for by an army
This place has always of volunteers. been the home of far-reaching Another act of kindness forward-thinking. We’re and solidarity from a place known for driving change that I’m so proud to be part from the bottom up. of and represent.
To have been elected the Our spirit of togetherness first Mayor of Greater Manchester and determination is what was a humbling will see us move forward in experience and I’m proud this coming year as we to represent the people of make Greater Manchester this incredible place. the best place to grow up,
The best part of it is the get on and grow old.
T●●Andy Burnham’s early months in office have seen him tackle homelessness and look to make the region a leading digital city chance to build a new way of doing politics from the ground up and let people write the policies that will shape the future of Greater Manchester.
On every issue, we’ve sought to take on board the views of those who know them best. Our plans to end rough sleeping by 2020 were developed by charities and people with lived experience of homelessness.
Our strategy to make Greater Manchester a leading digital city has been put together by experts as part of my Digital Summits.
Our overarching ambition for the future, the Greater Manchester Strategy, was co-designed by all parts of the public sector with help from businesses, voluntary community social enterprise organisations and members of the public.
Homelessness and rough sleeping have been the defining issues of this year.
All councils now ensure emergency support is given as soon as temperatures drop to freezing, rather than the legally-required three days. The generosity of local people has helped raise £135,000 for my Homelessness Fund.
Starting in 2018 more than 200 properties will be made available that will provide accommodation alongside health support for homeless people. I know things remain incredibly tough for people living on the street.
We will not stop until we have ensured everyone has a safe and secure place to stay by 2020.
As we go in to 2018, transport too will come to the fore.
The north has been treated as second-class for too long when it comes to transport investment. The clapped-out trains, packed roads and unreliable buses have had their day.
We will look to bring some order to the chaos and improve our transport system.
By using the powers we