Report of the Chief Executive attached

The Executive considered a report of the Chief Executive which provided an update on key areas of progress against the Our Manchester Strategy – Forward to 2025 which reset Manchester’s priorities for the next five years to ensure the Council could still achieve the city’s ambition set out in the Our Manchester Strategy 2016 – 2025.

The Leader made reference to the second reading of the HS2 Bill in Parliament. It was noted that the Council had concerns about the plans as they currently stood, including the proposed new six-platform overground station next to the existing Manchester Piccadilly Station to accommodate HS2 and improved northern links.  She reported that the Council would be formally petitioning government, urging the to reconsider there approach and ambition for Manchester.  Manchester’s response would be shared with Members and discussed at a future meeting of the Executive.

The Leader also made reference to the Clean Air Plan Review of Greater Manchester.  Transport for Greater Manchester, on behalf of the 10 GM local authorities, were  preparing a response to Government setting out the case for a new GM Clean Air Plan which would be submitted to Government by 1 July 2022.  Due to the tight timeframes to complete the review, the draft plan was being submitted to government on 1 July in order to meet the government deadline. Local Authorities would then have an opportunity to consider it before a final plan was submitted.  There would also be a much wider participation and engagement process for a new clean air plan.

The Leader reported that Manchester had made a strong showing in an annual report rating the liveability of 172 prominent world cities, once again coming out as the highest ranked UK city.  The city had risen 26 places to 28th position continuing to be placed above London,  Barcelona, Los Angeles, Auckland, Madrid and Adelaide.

The Deputy Leader (Statutory) reported that plans for a new visitor experience in Manchester Town Hall telling the story of the iconic building and showcasing some of its civic treasures had taken a big step forward with the appointment of leading exhibition designers Mather & Co. The ground floor exhibition space, would have no admission charge and  there would also be a chance to explore some of the Town Hall’s hidden spaces which had rarely if ever been open to the public, such as the Victorian police cells, courtyard area and clock tower, on guided tours.

The Executive Member for Housing and Development reported on the launch of the Manchester Living Rent, which would be a rent level that people on housing benefit could access, meaning new housing – regardless of where it was built – would be affordable to anyone in the city.  He advised that this would be part of the Council’s strategy to deliver 10,000 new homes over the next 10 years.  In terms of the Council’s Selective Licensing Scheme, he reported that in addition to the existing seven schemes, a further eight schemes would being brought forward following as analysis of the Crumpsall scheme, which had now come to an end and had demonstrated a positive impact on improving private rental standards.

The Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People commented on the success of Manchester Day, with over 1,300 participants from across the city.  In keeping with the Our Year campaign to promote opportunities for those growing up in our city, young people played a key role in the day which included programming the day’s activities in Piccadilly Gardens. In addition, it was noted that this year’s parade was the most sustainable yet.

The Executive Member for Environment and Transport reported that Keep Manchester Tidy – a partnership between Manchester City Council and Keep Britain Tidy – had delivered 70 community clean-ups across the city to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, with Schools, community groups and local businesses amongst those participating.  in keeping with the spirit of the Our Year campaign as well as taking part, young people had their say in which areas were cleaned up, and there had been a particular focus on parks and play areas to ensure they had a clean place to socialise.

Decision

The Executive note the report.