Report of the Director of Inclusive Economy and Strategic Lead Policy & Partnerships attached.

This report provides an overview of some of the key economic data that is available to demonstrate the impact Manchester’s Universities have on the city’s economy. It also includes a number of case studies to highlight specific examples of economic benefit.

(Cllr Moore in the Chair)

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Inclusive Economy and Strategic Lead Policy & Partnerships that provided an overview of the economic contribution of Manchester’s two main universities, The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

The report utilised research by Public First which was undertaken in 2020 using data from 2018/19 which quantified the direct value created by the universities, their wider supply chain and procurement spending with local businesses, and the additional spending of their staff, students and visitors. It also drew upon Research England’s new Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) and Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data.

The report described that both universities had signed the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement on 24 September 2021 during the Greater Manchester Combined Authority meeting and were committed to delivering positive outcomes for Manchester and the city region.

Key points and themes in the report included:

·                Information relating to Sustainability and the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement;

·                Both universities had signed the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement on 24 September 2021 during the Greater Manchester Combined Authority meeting and were committed to delivering positive outcomes for Manchester and the city region;

·                Data and narrative relating to research, teaching and economic impact;

·                Education and Skills;

·                Business support, innovation, enterprise and start-ups;

·                Public engagement;

·                Case studies across a range of activities; and

·                Next steps.

Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were: -

·                Welcoming the information relating to the Living Wage;

·                What methodology was used to arrive at the figure to describe the economic impact of research;

·                An update was sought on attracting Research and Development Funding to the city;

·                How did the Universities work with local schools and FE colleges;

·                The need to acknowledge the cost of the Universities to the Council and other public sector bodies, for example student exemptions from Council Tax and issues relating to the student accommodation, such as waste; and

·                The need for appropriate student accommodation in appropriate areas, noting the impact this could have on neighborhoods and communities.

The Director of Social Responsibility, The UoM stated that the two institutions worked very closely together bringing strengths to the city. He described that both had signed up to the Civic University Agreement along with the other universities across Greater Manchester to work together to drive social and economic change in the city region. The agreements contained six principals of education and skills, reducing inequalities, jobs and growth, the digital economy, net zero and the creative and cultural economy.

He further described that it had been evidenced that Manchester residents had great pride in the Universities in Manchester and was aligned to the economic ambitions of residents.

The Director of Public Affairs, MMU commented that both sites took their role as anchor institutions very seriously and their policies and ambitions mirrored those of partners, such as the City Council. He further commented that the importance of public engagement was recognised by both institutions and a Community Engagement Plan was in development.

The Director of Social Responsibility, The UoM stated that the figures to describe the economic impact of research had been derived using an agreed formula. He stated that a benchmarking exercise had been undertaken against the two Nottingham Universities and information on this could be shared. He described that joint proposals across the Combined Authority were submitted to attract Research and Development Funding, adding that the establishment of Innovation GM, a £7bn blueprint for translational innovation between Greater Manchester and the Government was a sound base on which to attract funding into the city and the wider city region.

The Director of Public Affairs, MMU stated that the Universities had established relationships with the local FE providers across Greater Manchester and a Statement of Joint Cooperation had been agreed. This had seen fourteen colleges and universities across Greater Manchester coming together with a joint commitment to address the skills and economic challenges facing the region.

The Director of Social Responsibility, the UoM described that the Universities were committed to attainment, wellbeing and inspiration to the young people of Manchester, noting the positive impact that the delivery of the museum, galleries and libraries had on citizens’ lives and aspirations. He stated that whilst it was difficult to quantify the benefits of these, it was accepted that they were important to the residents of the city.

In response to the issue raised regarding the cost to the city council and partners, both guests acknowledged this had been a challenge, however improvements had been made in terms of the response of both institutions to issues when they arose. The Director of Social Responsibility, the UoM commented that the University had worked closely with Manchester Student Homes to address the issues related to student accommodation experienced in some neighbourhoods and the disciplinary procedures had been strengthened to address off campus behaviour.

The Committee noted that a report on Purpose Built Student Accommodation would be considered at the appropriate time.

Decision

To note the report.

[Councillor Priest declared a personal pecuniary and prejudicial interest in this item of business and withdrew from the meeting during consideration of this item.]