Latest news with #GreaterManchesterCombinedAuthority
BBC News
09-07-2025
- BBC News
Major expansion plan for Manchester Castlefield Viaduct sky park
An urban "sky park" filled with landscaped gardens will more than double in length following a funding boost of more than £ National Trust said the money would be used to further transform the 125-year-old, Grade II-listed Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester city conservation charity's plans include building winding paths through planted areas to "encourage people to take time out from the busy city below and connect with nature".Its regional director for the North of England, Mike Innerdale, said: "We spent the last 18 months talking to the community about what they want it to be. They want it to be a haven where nature and people come together in a historic environment." Plants were first bedded along a section of the railway structure in 2022 by the National Trust as part of efforts to create an elevated green corridor in the city visitors to Castlefield Viaduct can walk through a series of green spaces and gardens before seeing an overgrown section behind a glass wall. Phase two of the viaduct's transformation plan will extend the visitor attraction from 150m (164 yds) in length to more than 350m (383 yds).National Highway's Historical Railways Estate Team, working in partnership with the National Trust, has committed £2.4m to fund a significant part of the structural and foundation work that is needed for the £100,000 contributions come from Manchester City Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Railway Heritage Trust is also adding £150,000."This is really an iconic part of Manchester - to have phase two secured is something quite special," said Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig. "Phase one was a massive proof of concept to show it would work and people would love it. "The fact people have been desperate to see more of it shows the potential."I think there is a growing appetite to make sure we don't lose sight of the heritage."The structural work is expected to start in the autumn, with the new section likely to open in the summer of 2026. 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.
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Taxi drivers buying cars in one city due to 'easy' regulations putting people
Drivers are flogging cars including black cabs on social media with licences already attached from Wolverhampton where it's believed that the rules to obtain a taxi licence are far more easier than other areas Motorists are flocking to social media to snap up vehicles, including black cabs, already registered in the West Midlands city of Wolverhampton, where it's perceived that licensing requirements are more lenient than elsewhere. There are now grave worries that some taxi drivers could be skirting stringent safeguarding checks, particularly in areas previously rocked by child sexual exploitation scandals, according to The Times. The newspaper initially brought the issue to light back in 2018, revealing that Wolverhampton had become the go-to authority for drivers across England seeking to secure a minicab licence. And the problem is only escalating. Data from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority reveals that, as of this year, over one in 10 taxi licences in England were issued by Wolverhampton council. Baroness Casey of Blackstock recently highlighted the loopholes allowing private-hire drivers to operate anywhere across the UK as a significant safeguarding risk for youngsters, reports the Express. Has the government agreed new taxi rules? Ministers have agreed to all 12 of her suggestions and vowed to act "at pace" to put an end to this practice. However, campaigners argue that the government needs to do more, demanding stricter licensing checks nationwide. While drivers must pass checks - including a DBS background check - regardless of where they are licensed, some local councils impose much higher standards than others. Rotherham, scarred by the harrowing revelations of the 2014 Jay report which uncovered the grooming of 1,400 girls, often via taxis, has since clamped down with stringent taxi licensing rules. The borough council's response included making CCTV compulsory in all cabs, setting a clear definition for what makes a "fit and proper person," and requiring a perfect score on a safeguarding test for licence applicants. However, these robust measures are being undermined by a law passed in 2015 under David Cameron's leadership, allowing private hire drivers to operate nationwide, irrespective of where they got their licence. How many taxi drivers are licenced from other areas? Greater Manchester's mayor Andy Burnham has raised the alarm that nearly half the private hire drivers in his jurisdiction hold licences from other areas. Investigations by the Manchester Evening News last year revealed a staggering 8,952 drivers in the region were licensed by Wolverhampton council, located some 80 miles away, accounting for 35 per cent of its private hire fleet. In a similar vein, the Liverpool Echo disclosed that in 2024, Wolverhampton issued close to 500 licences to drivers residing in Liverpool postcodes. A Facebook advert for a Prius highlighted the issue, with the seller noting: "People like the council in Wolverhampton - it's easier to get a badge. The test there is easy. In Manchester, it's very hard. That's why people go to Wolverhampton." How much does a taxi licence cost? The cost of a taxi licence varies dramatically across councils, with Rotherham charging £210 for a one-year licence while Wolverhampton charges a mere £49. Social media is rife with cars being sold complete with a Wolverhampton taxi licence, though new owners must still secure a personal licence from the council to drive them legally. This week, Casey issued a stark warning that despite most taxi drivers being law-abiding, "as a key part of the night-time economy, taxis have historically been identified as a way children can be at risk of sexual exploitation." She further stated: "Local authorities issue taxi licences in line with statutory guidance as a means of combating child sexual exploitation, but they are being hindered by a lack of stringency in other local authorities and legal loopholes which mean drivers can apply for a licence anywhere in the country." What does Wolverhampton say about taxi licences? Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the City of Wolverhampton council emphasised that safeguarding is their "number one priority in taxi licensing," proudly noting that it is "the only local authority which checks drivers on the Update Service DBS status every day." She explained: "It is illegal for the council to refuse applicants a taxi licence on the basis of where they live. Under the current law, applicants are able to apply to any licensing authority for a licence. It is also illegal for licensing authorities to impose a limit on the number of private hire licences they issue. The council does not gain financially from taxi licensing, as the fees are legally ringfenced for spend only on related activities. "Our early adoption of digital technology has allowed us to offer a simple and efficient online application procedure, with the requirement that drivers attend in person for training and strict assessment before an application can be processed." The Department for Transport was reached out for a response.
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.
