Responding to the Budget, Mayor of Greater Manchester,
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.”
