Latest news with #GreaterManchesterCombinedAuthority
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak draws inspiration from UK's Greater Manchester housing model, says Dr Sim
Dr Sim (second right), his deputy ministers Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil (second left) and Datuk Michael Tiang (right), and the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Elizabeth Loh (left) talk to officials from GMCA. – Photo via Facebook/Dr Sim Kui Hian KUCHING (April 30): Sarawak can learn from Greater Manchester's approach to housing development, which is more applicable to the state's context than Singapore's, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said the housing strategy implemented by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), comprising 10 local councils, places emphasis on green belts and lower-density developments, with fewer land constraints compared to Singapore. 'Truly inspired by GMCA's focus on innovation and inclusive growth. Definitely broadened our perspective and will help in Sarawak's nation building for housing strategy beyond the scope of 20,000 affordable houses proposed by Sarawak Economic Planning Unit under 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030),' he said in a Facebook post. The State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government was leading a Sarawak delegation to Manchester to study the region's housing and urban renewal models. During a meeting with GMCA officials, the delegation discussed key topics such as housing supply, standards, investment from both the public and private sectors, as well as land use and construction industry capacity. 'Within 10 years, across 10 councils, GMCA had managed to plan 2 million office space, 3.5 million industrial space, 75,000 new homes and green belt with sustainability and low carbon (towards Net Zero). 'It coordinates the public transport, utilities and public infrastructure across 10 councils (as a Greater Manchester region),' he said.
The Independent
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Department for Education stifling efforts to boost skills, warns Andy Burnham
Resistance within the Department for Education (DfE) to devolving powers to regional mayors is stifling efforts to boost skills and risks becoming an 'anti-growth policy', Andy Burnham has said. The mayor of Greater Manchester told MPs his counterparts in other parts of the country share his view that local efforts to improve technical education and boost the workforce are being stifled by the department, which he said is 'wasting time' over a crucial way to boost economic growth. During an appearance before the Commons Business and Trade Committee, Mr Burnham was asked what had been his 'biggest frustrations' during his term as mayor. He said the 'evidence is clear' that the current model of devolution in Greater Manchester is the right one and delivers economic growth. But Mr Burnham added: 'The frustration, to answer your question: the biggest is the Department for Education, without a shadow of doubt. 'Why are we remaking the case for devolution to this department now? I've been doing it for eight years. 'It stands to reason that you can create stronger technical education pathways when you can work with actual employers in your city region who will be employing the young people, or the older workers, who will come through. 'We are the only ones who can create that pathway. We are the only ones that could commission our colleges for the actual sectoral strengths of our economy, and yet it still seems that is resisted. 'I think the kind of position of the Department for Education on this issue risks becoming an anti-growth policy. It risk pulling back the growth that we've got.' Greater Manchester Combined Authority, currently has full control of an apprenticeships and adult skills budget, but is yet to secure devolution of 16-19 education spending. Mr Burnham has created the 'Greater Manchester Baccalaureate', which he describes as an 'equal alternative to the university route', but he was clearly frustrated at perceived resistance to his plans in Whitehall. The latest official figures show that 11.2% of young people in the North West of England are not in education, employment or training. Mr Burnham added: 'We know our employers. I'm convening our employers to get those work placements, to really create those extra pathways for our young people, and to fell now that we are still having to argue for that and get permission to do that just seems to me to be wasting time.' Greater Manchester Combined Authority has created an online portal called Beeline, which enables users to search for training and educational routes to certain jobs in the region. Mr Burnham said the portal currently shows about 450 vacancies for software developers. He added it would not be a surprise if the high level of young people missing out on job opportunities continues if a 'top-down' approach without local flexibilities continues. Mr Burnham conceded that the department had 'moved a bit… down the path with us' and he welcomed the potential of Skills England, which will work with combined authorities, businesses and training providers to boost jobs when it is launched this year. 'But I just want to leave the committee in no doubt, the reason there's urgency in my voice is we're growing fast, but we could quickly have a vacancy problem that turns investors away. That is why it is mission-critical for this Government,' he added. The Department for Education has been approached for comment.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
One in ten kids experience food insecurity in Greater Manchester
A survey of almost 100,000 young people has highlighted urgent issues around food insecurity. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority's #BeeWell programme, which started in 2021, is the largest survey of its type in the UK and seeks to understand the wellbeing of young people and the factors that impact it. This year, the survey found that one in ten young people reported that food in their house did not last and there was no money to buy more. The survey also found that only one in ten are consuming the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. The #BeeWell youth steering group said more awareness was needed about how nutrition affects energy levels and wellbeing, alongside increased support for families to make healthy choices. It also introduced new measures on access to trusted adults, revealing that while 75% of young people say they have someone to talk to about their worries, boys are less likely to feel they have someone to confide in than girls. The survey aims to highlight how the community can support young people to live well across the city-region. Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: "The #BeeWell findings make it clearer than ever why our Live Well ambition is so important. "We are listening to young people, and they are telling us that access to support in their neighbourhoods, safe spaces to go, and someone to talk to are vital to their wellbeing. "Through Live Well, we are ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, can get the help they need to thrive." The survey also identified that while 60% of young people feel like they belong at school, the report found lower levels of school belonging reported among girls and LGBTQ+ young people. Read more: Tesco updates customers after mass complaints over tinned beans shortage Colls put the brakes on high-flying Motors in home draw Experts reveal the cheapest time to renew your car insurance saving you £150 Saint, from the #BeeWell Youth Steering Group, said: "It is incredibly important that we run #BeeWell surveys so we can accurately determine where young people need more support. "By analysing these key headlines, we can target the most significant factors impacting the mental wellbeing of young people and aim for improvements within those areas. "Every young person should be given the opportunity to flourish and succeed and ensuring this not only provides an environment of safety and belonging for the individual, but will collectively help us progress into a more cohesive and compassionate society in the long run." In response to the findings, #BeeWell will work with Greater Manchester's 10 local authorities to support the development of an action plan to improve young people's wellbeing across the city-region. An event bringing together young people, schools, and community partners to co-design a plan for action based on the #BeeWell insights will be held in the coming weeks.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Council bid to back out of housing scheme rejected
A council's bid to back out of a controversial plan to build thousands of new homes across Greater Manchester has been rejected by the government. Councillors in Oldham, which is Labour-led but with no overall control, narrowly voted to withdraw from the Places for Everyone (PfE) housing scheme earlier this year over concerns about building on green belt land. But the government has formally rejected their request, which housing minister Matthew Pennycook said had "no justification". The council's Labour leadership welcomed the move, but Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes said the decision was a "betrayal of democracy". A cross-party group of Liberal Democrat, Conservative and independent councillors had voted for the withdrawal from the scheme in February. The move had to be signed off by the Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner because they had already voted to join in 2024. Under the plan drawn up by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, more than 11,500 homes would be built on sites in Oldham. In a letter to the council, Pennycook, responding on Rayner's behalf, said he could not approve the withdrawal "based on the information provided". He said: "PfE is an example of authorities doing the right thing – adopting a robust local plan only a year ago, which reflects strong cooperation between authorities. "Taking all of the above into account, and given that your letter does not set out a case for revocation, I see no justification to approve your request." The minister said the government was looking for "universal local plan coverage as quickly as possible" from local authorities across the UK. In Oldham, the PfE scheme will see green belt land in Beal Valley, Bottom Field Farm, Broadbent Moss, south of Coal Pit Lane, south of Rosary Road and other locations developed into residential and commercial areas. Oldham Council's deputy Leader Elaine Taylor said: "We're grateful the government have seen through the reckless attempts made by the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives to put our green belt at risk." Meanwhile Sykes said the rejection was a "betrayal that the people of Oldham Borough will not forget or forgive". He said he feared PfE would see the council "forced to provide more land including green belt for development in the very near future". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Council 'not exiting housing scheme', hints Rayner Council votes to leave controversial housing plan Oldham Council Local Democracy Reporting Service
BBC News
09-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Oldham Council's bid to back out of housing scheme rejected
A council's bid to back out of a controversial plan to build thousands of new homes across Greater Manchester has been rejected by the government. Councillors in Oldham, which is Labour-led but with no overall control, narrowly voted to withdraw from the Places for Everyone (PfE) housing scheme earlier this year over concerns about building on green belt land. But the government has formally rejected their request, which housing minister Matthew Pennycook said had "no justification". The council's Labour leadership welcomed the move, but Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes said the decision was a "betrayal of democracy". A cross-party group of Liberal Democrat, Conservative and independent councillors had voted for the withdrawal from the scheme in February. The move had to be signed off by the Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner because they had already voted to join in the plan drawn up by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, more than 11,500 homes would be built on sites in Oldham. 'Reckless' In a letter to the council, Pennycook, responding on Rayner's behalf, said he could not approve the withdrawal "based on the information provided". He said: "PfE is an example of authorities doing the right thing – adopting a robust local plan only a year ago, which reflects strong cooperation between authorities. "Taking all of the above into account, and given that your letter does not set out a case for revocation, I see no justification to approve your request."The minister said the government was looking for "universal local plan coverage as quickly as possible" from local authorities across the Oldham, the PfE scheme will see green belt land in Beal Valley, Bottom Field Farm, Broadbent Moss, south of Coal Pit Lane, south of Rosary Road and other locations developed into residential and commercial Council's deputy Leader Elaine Taylor said: "We're grateful the government have seen through the reckless attempts made by the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives to put our green belt at risk."Meanwhile Sykes said the rejection was a "betrayal that the people of Oldham Borough will not forget or forgive".He said he feared PfE would see the council "forced to provide more land including green belt for development in the very near future". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
