Tony Lloyd responds to Budget 2017

“While the devil will be in the detail, the Government’s announcements on productivity, social care and skills look to be welcome moves. However, these announcements are balanced against significant year on year cuts to Greater Manchester council budgets and a projected social care funding gap of £176M within our city-region. 

“Greater Manchester Leaders would welcome the opportunity to ensure the skills measures announced today fit the needs of our city-region.  In Greater Manchester we’re already working with employers, colleges and agencies to give people the skills and qualifications that businesses really want, to get more people into better paid jobs and to raise the average salary of the region.

“Creating a world-class transport system is a key priority for Greater Manchester.  Funding to cut congestion and improve transport networks in the North is welcome but swift progress on a second Transport Fund for Greater Manchester will be critical.”