Mayor's reaction to Chancellor's Budget

Responding to the Budget, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said:  “Today’s Budget had a number of welcome steps but Greater Manchester will need more from the Chancellor in the upcoming spending review if we are to face up to the big post-Brexit challenges.

“The skills funding package for Greater Manchester that’s been announced today is welcome but should only be another step on the journey towards full devolution of post-16 education.  

“The nearly £70 million of additional investment in transport from the Transforming Cities Fund in 2022-23 is also positive but I know people in Greater Manchester wanted to hear more from the Chancellor on the chaos that’s affecting commuters and harming the Northern economy now.   Greater Manchester needs similar powers to London if we are to fix our roads and railways.  That’s why I’m calling on people across Greater Manchester to join our campaign to Take Control of our Transport at takecontrolofourtransport.co.uk. 

“I also hope that the Government’s decision to refresh its Northern Powerhouse Strategy next year is a recognition of what Northern Leaders have been saying to Ministers over recent years.  The promises made to the North need to be delivered and the Northern Powerhouse urgently needs new momentum.  

“On the vital issue of social care, any new funding for social care is welcome and critically needed, but the Chancellor’s announcement doesn’t address the scale of social care underfunding. Rather than sticking plasters, we need a long-term settlement for social care to ensure older and disabled people get the care they need.”