Manchester region wins greater devolved powers

Greater Manchester has become the first city outside London to be able to set its own skills strategy after reaching a deal with the government that sees the region handed greater devolved powers.

The agreement between the Treasury and the ten local authorities in the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) also sees the area become the UK’s fourth low carbon economic area.

The new arrangements will see a single allocation for the Manchester City Region for places in schools for further education for 16 to 19-year-olds, with the exception of academies. With an annual budget worth several hundred million pounds, the region will be able to determine the mix and number of places needed for schools and further education.

In addition to new statutory powers to set its skills strategy, the reforms include:

• new freedoms to determine priorities for adult apprenticeships;
• more influence over the licensing of private landlords;
• a commitment from the government to examine how the Manchester City Region can assume transport responsibilities similar to those held by Transport for London; and
• greater data-sharing between public agencies and local authorities.

The move, which unites AGMA under one formal arrangement, comes just weeks after a Treasury announcement that Leeds would receive greater powers covering housing, regeneration and transport.

Communities Secretary John Denham said: “Today’s city region agreement gives councils new powers, free from central red tape, to work together to improve skills and create jobs, build more affordable homes and tackle climate change in a more cost effective way that puts people first.”

Lord Peter Smith, chairman of AGMA, said: “The details of the agreement which have been announced so far will enhance our capacity to meet these challenges and ensure that we have the strongest platform for growth.”