Thirteen registered providers of social housing are using this financialised lease-based model in Greater Manchester. Five have regulatory judgements against them. Wigan is the borough with the highest amount of this type of housing which is fueling substantial dividend payments to shareholders, all derived from public money paid to house people with disabilities. Social housing […]
Northern Quarter residents and councillors speak after Thomas Street weavers cottages are saved from demolition
A controversial proposal to demolish a row of listed 18th century weaver cottages in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter was struck down in the Planning Committee meeting last week. With the survival of the buildings for now secured, how do the victorious campaigners and councillors want this local heritage to be restored and used? […]
‘Diverse, stimulating, exhilarating’ – NEON Spokesperson Network launches in North West
The UK sees exclusion and exploitation, and the UK media landscape fails to platform progressive voices on key economic, political and social issues. Through its Spokesperson Network, NEON trains and supports progressive and diverse voices, equipping spokespeople with skills and confidence for the media spotlight. Applications to become a NEON Spokesperson are open until 31 August.
As future students get their grades, hard-working lecturers and staff at the University of Manchester are getting redundancies
As prospective university students get their A-level grades, thousands of lecturers and university staff are getting redundancies. While the sector reels from the effects of Covid-19, the marketisation of higher education has cultivated an industry of insecure and exploited teaching staff who are worked the hardest, and are now being disposed of.
Social housing is key to alleviating the housing crisis, so why are we not building it?
National statistics show that across GM as social housing has fallen, housing waiting lists and temporary accommodation has risen. Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett and author of “Safe as Houses” Stuart Hodkinson give their views on the state of social housing and what needs to be done to improve it. It was the crises of […]
Manchester housing campaigners join forces to fight predicted Covid-19 evictions ‘tsunami’
Tens of thousands of tenants across Greater Manchester at risk of losing their homes during the Covid-19 crisis, once the ban on evictions is raised on 23 August. Tenants Union UK, ACORN Manchester and the Greater Manchester Law Centre are joining forces to offer training and information to help renters resist eviction. Full details below. […]
Will this year’s A-level and GCSE predicted grades increase inequality between students in Manchester?
Concerns around this year’s A-level and GCSE predicted grade system, following the cancellation of exams due to Covid-19, have highlighted wider systemic issues of bias and inequality in the UK education system.
Road map to ‘building back better’ after Covid-19, published by Co-operatives UK
Report paves the way for a stronger co-operative sector after the economic devastation of Covid-19, with directions for government to rebuild a fairer, more resilient and sustainable economy. Co-operatives UK policy director James Wright puts forward the case for a more mutual future post-pandemic. The economic crisis brought on by Covid-19 is steadily gathering pace. […]
Homelessness during Covid-19: Manchester needs an approach based on prevention, not intervention
As more government funding is announced to fight homelessness during the Covid-19 pandemic, calls are being made in Manchester for a long-term approach based on prevention rather than intervention. £105 million of funding for the Westminster sponsored programme, ‘Everyone In’, has been announced to continue support being provided for the homeless, as local organisations and […]
Proposed changes to controversial ‘Shudehill Shard’ pushed through under emergency powers
The controversial 17-storey ‘Shudehill Shard’ development has had a planning application amendment approved by Manchester City Council today under emergency powers. The published decision was also accompanied by a statement saying full scrutiny of planning proposals would recommence in July with the reinstatement of the planning committee.