Today is also a huge day for devolution in our area, as it is the first day of the Greater Manchester Integrated Settlement. The start of record funding of £630 million for Greater Manchester to improve our transport network, invest in education and skills development, and boost housing across the region.
We have already seen the potential of devolution, for example through better connectivity and integrated ticketing across the Bee Network, more effective healthcare delivery through the Greater Manchester Integrated Health Board, or urban regeneration projects helping us have more green spaces across the region.
Now, with more funding, freedom and flexibility, GMCA will be able to go further and find solutions to the matters we all care about. Whether this is homelessness, antisocial behaviour or unemployment, we will now be equipped to target the root causes, provide practical support and direct funding to these vital local services.
This game-changing integrated settlement will be the key to unlocking growth and driving up living standards for generations to come. The first day of a very exciting time ahead!
Jim McMahon OBE MP 