Stockport has given its backing to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s refreshed 2020 vision for a flourishing future and refocused strategy to ensure that the city region’s economy grows – for the benefit of all Stockport residents.
The updated Greater Manchester Strategy builds on the original plan, published in 2009. It has been adapted in response to evolving challenges which include a longer and deeper than expected recession as well as reductions in public sector funding which require new, innovative ways of doing things.
Manchester has the fastest-growing population in the country and the region has the potential to achieve significant economic growth over the next few years. It has a strong foundation to build on, with valuable assets such as the world-class research and development expertise in our universities and an integrated transport network.
But there are also undeniable challenges caused by the recession and rising unemployment, reduced public resources and the need to support a growing population.
The underlying vision of the strategy remains the same – that by 2020 Manchester city region will have pioneered a new model for sustainable economic growth where prosperity is accessible to everyone.
The strategy has two main themes, economic growth and public sector reform.
Creating the right conditions for growth includes ensuring Greater Manchester is well placed to meet the needs of businesses in an evolving economy; shaping an area where people want to live, with the right transport connections; making the most of the area’s existing science and technology assets and strengthening Manchester’s world ranking as a place to live, invest in and visit.
It also means working with employers and others to ensure residents have the skills to match demands.
Public agencies also need to take a Greater Manchester-wide approach to helping residents become more self-sufficient, reducing demands on public services. Measures such as the negotiation with government of a Place-Based Settlement would allow the current costs of providing services to be managed more effectively, tackling deep-rooted issues such as worklessness and realising major savings while improving outcomes for residents.
Lord Peter Smith, chair of the GMCA, said: “This strategy is vitally important for Greater Manchester’s future success. So rather than being set in stone it has to adapt to changing circumstances to ensure the region reaches its full potential.
“We want to firmly establish ourselves as one of Europe’s premier city regions, a distinctive place that competes on the international stage for investment, jobs and talent.
“But we also need to ensure Greater Manchester is a great place to live and work, with every resident able to contribute to – and benefit from – that prosperity.”
Sir Richard Leese, vice chair of the GMCA and leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is a dynamic, living strategy for a strong and successful Greater Manchester.
“It is hugely ambitious but it is also realistic – built on strong foundations and a shared vision. The refocused strategy recognises the challenges we face in the current economic climate but does not shirk from confronting them.”
Mike Emmerich, chief executive of New Economy, said: “It’s vital to understand that the Greater Manchester Strategy is much more than a document for occasional reference. Its aspirations should be embedded within the culture and approach of all the city’s agencies, whether public or private sector.
“The targets of the updated strategy include some highly ambitious yet achievable outcomes, which are to be met by 2020. These include a 50 per cent increase in the number of jobs created, a 22 per cent reduction on the dependency on out-of-work benefits, and the building of 61,000 new homes.
“New Economy will be engaging with businesses and public agencies to help align their strategies and ensure that the city remains on its course to economic growth and prosperity.”
Councillor Sue Derbyshire, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “Stockport very much welcomes the new Greater Manchester Strategy. It complements our own approach and by working together across Greater Manchester, we can achieve so much more for residents and businesses.
“We’re already working hard in Stockport to boost the local economy, deliver value-for-money, effective services and get the best for our residents. We’re constantly looking at new ways to protect and create jobs and have demonstrated we are prepared to intervene directly to drive our economy forward, and make the most of our strong competitive advantages.”
The full strategy document can be read at http://www.agma.gov.uk/gmca/gms_2013