GMCA Chief Executive shares end of year message

Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Caroline Simpson, has thanked colleagues and partners for the work they do to improve lives across the city-region.

The former Chief Executive for Stockport Council was appointed to lead at GMCA earlier this year, and reflected on the work achieved in the city-region through 2024. In her message, Caroline Simpson said:

“As 2024 draws to a close, I wanted to thank all our colleagues and partners for the differences they make day in, day out for people across Greater Manchester.

“I’ve said many times since coming into this role that there is no better place to be in local government right now?than here. The Government’s White Paper on English Devolution, published yesterday, reaffirms this belief.

“As Mayor Andy Burnham has set out in his response to the publication, we are proud that the model of devolution we have pioneered is being spread out across the country.

“Alongside the White Paper, we have received a letter from the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Deputy Prime Minister outlining how they will support Greater Manchester in achieving our full growth potential. This includes backing for our ambitious plans for achieving greater impacts for current and future generations – including through the Bee Network integrated transport system, the MBacc technical education pathway, and our Live Well prevention demonstrator that will radically shift how services and support are provided here.

“There are additional commitments we would have liked to have seen in this white paper to really set up our further success. But we have hope and confidence that these will come.

“Over the coming months we will continue our productive discussions with the Government in the expectation that its next Spending Review will recognise our track-record in delivering improvements for local people and places and support our ambitions for building on these and contributing more than our fair share towards the national Government missions.

“I look forward to sharing our developing plans and commitments with you during 2025 as we work towards our refreshed Greater Manchester Strategy and long-term plan for growth and prevention.

“In setting these ambitions, our colleagues, partners and I remain fully aware of the footsteps of the giants we are following – including Sir Richard Leese and the greatly missed Sir Howard Bernstein. The fantastic work and leadership of those before us continue to pave the way for our city-region’s achievements today and in the months and years ahead.

“As we round off this year, I hope everyone celebrating has a very Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah. Enjoy a restful period over the coming weeks and have a great start to a very exciting year ahead.”