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 Deputy Leader reported that Manchester’s homelessness figures had improved significantly, with numbers in temporary accommodation (including B&Bs) and sleeping on the streets both falling.  overall numbers in temporary accommodation had fallen to 2,745 households from a peak of 3,194 at the end of last year.  Reductions had been particularly marked in B&B accommodation. The overall number of households had gone down from 814 at its peak in February this year to 215 single people and 5 families, with no families now placed over six weeks. The rough sleeper count had also shown a marked decrease, down from a peak of 61 in September 2022 to 37 last month.  It was acknowledged that significant ongoing challenges remained, not least the cost of living crisis, and there was zero room for complacency, but the figures illustrate progress being made through the homelessness service transformation programme. 

Councillor Johnson, whilst welcoming the improved position, suggested that more joined up working of different services to help contribute to tackling homelessness

Councillor Leech welcomed the reduction in numbers and the change in policy for those who were at risk of homelessness.  He sought clarification as to whether there were any unintended consequences of the improved position, specifically in relation to the impact of those who were not homeless but trying to move home and the wait that these people may have for alternative accommodation.  He also sought confirmation as to what checks and balances were in place to ensure landlords did not misuse policy to evict unwanted tenants.  The Deputy Leader advised that the change in policy did not intend to adversely impact on those residents that whilst not homeless, where seeking to move home and that the Council would monitor landlords to ensure they were not seeking to misuse the policy.

The Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure reported on the reopening of Manchester Aquatics centre following a multi-million refurbishment to upgrade facilities and improve its energy efficiency.  All areas of the building had been upgraded including all of the swimming pools, enhancements to health and fitness facilities, a new fitness class studio and a new group cycle studio, new café facilities, health suite and changing spaces with new accessible provision to support disabled people and those with additional needs.  Over £3m in investment had been secured for New Green Technologies, funded by the National Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. Green energy systems and renewable energy sources had been implemented across the centre to reduce its carbon emissions.

The Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure also reported on the partnership between the Council, Government and Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) which would see almost £500,000 invested in improving the tennis courts in nine parks across the city.  Together with Manchester Active and We Do Tennis, the Council was also working with the LTA to deliver a range of tennis activities across park sites including free weekly organised park tennis sessions for Manchester people of all ages, playing levels and experience with equipment provided for those who do not have their own and it was note that the grassroots tennis boost was coming as Manchester prepared to host Davis Cup group fixtures at the AO Arena in September. 

Councillor Leech sought clarification as to whether the improvements to the tennis courts across parks in Manchester would reduce longer term maintenance costs.  The Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure confirmed that as part of the programme of improvement, there would be budget provision for long term improvement.

The Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families reported that a new Intensive Support Programme had been brought in to give swift early and intervention to primary school children who needed extra support to meet development or social needs. The support also extended to pupil’s family or carers, who might also need help with issues including cost of living support.  The 12-month council-funded programme launched earlier this year.  It included a dedicated intensive support worker at the school as well as regular access to a speech and language therapist and an assistant educational psychologist.  The programme was part of the five-year Making Manchester Fairer action plan, which aimed to address inequalities in the city which could start early in life and even affect how long people lived for, and their opportunities around work and housing. The plan also included work around tackling cost of living pressures and poverty, which were also integral to improving health and wellbeing. 

The Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families also reported on the recent success of the Council being declared winners at the recent MJ award ceremony in the category of Innovation in Children and Adults Services for the work undertaken associated with the 2022 ‘Our Year’ campaign

Decision

The Executive note the report.