Mayor Andy Burnham Proposes Major £3 Billion Investment Plan for Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is poised to formally adopt a substantial £3 billion budget next week, with a clear mission to stimulate growth and investment across all ten boroughs of the city region. The comprehensive financial package, expected to be ratified at a meeting on Friday, February 13, will come into effect from April 1, marking a significant step in the mayor's strategy to ensure Manchester's economic prosperity is widely shared.
Strategic Focus on Transport, Housing, and Cultural Development
At the heart of this budget is a commitment to bolstering key sectors that directly impact residents' daily lives. Burnham emphasised that as the UK's fastest-growing economy, Greater Manchester is leveraging its devolved powers to prioritise projects that address regional inequalities. This includes strengthening council teams to enhance renter protections and secure access to safe, affordable housing for all.
Furthermore, the plan aims to connect more young people with skills and training opportunities, adopting a preventative approach to tackle social and economic disparities. Burnham stated, "We are using our pioneering devolved powers and flexibility over funding to invest in the priority projects and schemes that will achieve that mission."
Funding the Bee Network and Supporting Public Transport
A notable aspect of the budget is a £25 increase in the mayoral tax for a typical band D home, which Burnham has defended as essential for funding the Bee Network bus franchising system. He highlighted that this rise ensures the project remains on schedule and within budget, originally set at £134.5 million with local and government-matched resources.
The investment will also facilitate the removal of the 9:30am restriction, allowing disabled and older person's bus pass holders to travel at any time. Additionally, the popular £2 adult single fare cap on Bee Network buses will be maintained throughout 2026, providing continued affordability for commuters.
To enhance safety and security, more police officers will be deployed across the Bee Network, with Greater Manchester Police treating public transport as the region's '11th district' for patrols.
Addressing Homelessness and Boosting Creative Industries
The budget allocates significant resources to social welfare initiatives, including ongoing funding for the 'A Bed Every Night' homeless provision, which supports 601 individuals daily. An additional £11.7 million will be invested in purchasing empty houses to reduce homelessness further.
In the cultural sphere, £5 million is earmarked for the Greater Manchester Culture Fund, coinciding with the announcement of a new 'Town of Culture' this year. A further £10 million will go to the 'GM Production Fund', aimed at bolstering the city's creative industries and fostering economic growth in this vibrant sector.
Public Engagement and Implementation
Residents can watch the budget meeting live online at 10am on Friday, February 13, to gain insights into how these funds will be allocated. This transparent approach underscores the mayor's commitment to community involvement in shaping Greater Manchester's future.
Overall, Burnham's £3 billion budget represents a holistic effort to drive inclusive growth, enhance public services, and solidify Manchester's position as a leading economic hub while ensuring no borough is left behind.
