At the forefront of establishing the community wealth building model across the UK, Neil McInroy is taking on a fresh challenge. The Meteor speaks to him about his departure from the Centre of Local Economic Strategies to take up a new post in the United States.
Undressing centuries of exploitation within Manchester’s fashion industry
The dark satanic mills of Manchester may have been transformed into chic apartments and office space, but the exploitation and abuse that went on in those mills hasn’t disappeared.
Our addiction to fast fashion means we import the majority of clothes made from global south countries, who have built there own satanic mills to replace our own. Fast fashion brands based in Manchester are making a killing from this trade.
‘It makes Manchester special’ – locals slam plans to build on Hough End playing fields
“I’m not a quiet, retiree type… I’ve run thousands of miles on this field. It’s a beautiful space” Phil says. “I have used this field a massive amount. I have walked my dogs and brought my kids here for years. They are going to take it away. Somebody should shout about it.”
Community-led housing’s potential is yet to be realised
Community-led housing is on the rise. Local groups in need of suitable housing in Greater Manchester are being encouraged to get involved in creating genuinely affordable housing tailored to their needs.
Established housing cooperative Homes for Change show what can be achieved when support is provided which allows people to work together to create housing solutions.
Democratic approach to managing public land called for in open letter to Burnham
Campaigners call for Andy Burnham to uphold his election manifesto promise and introduce a Land Commission in Greater Manchester, following the example set by the Liverpool city region.
FC United of Manchester – the fan-owned football club going from strength to strength
The European Super League debacle prompted calls from Manchester United fans to rebalance the ‘current ownership structure in the favour of supporters,’ sparking a debate about fan ownership in football. But what does fan-owned football look like, and what are the benefits? Alex King spoke to FC United Manchester, the fan-owned football club in Moston founded by Manchester United refuseniks, to find out more.
Are council deals with developers offering best value? Research paper questions development policy and calls for greater transparency
New research paper investigating the sale of public land in Manchester to property developers, questions whether the public are getting value for money in these deals.
Authors highlight lack of available information on development deals and call for a Land Commission. Manchester City Council responds.
‘Lifelong fans no longer matter’ – Manchester responds to news of European Super League
All six English clubs have now withdrawn from the Super League. However, Manchester’s football fans, MPs and local economy experts believe the aborted plan underlines a desperate need to democratise the beautiful game. The Meteor presents their views of the plans.
Empty homes increase by 19% across Manchester in a year
The number of empty homes increases across Greater Manchester, with eight out of ten boroughs recording an increase between 2019 and 2020. National online rally to highlight the issues calls on housing campaigners to join forces and put the issue ‘on the national agenda and make the politicians listen’.
Breathing life back into Tom Paine’s bones – graphic novel aims to resurrect neglected political reformer
Thomas Paine was a radical human rights and political reform advocate whose work inspired the American Revolution and the formation of a democratic United States.
Artist Paul Fitzgerald is determined to re-tell the story of this forgotten hero whose work still has valid lessons to be learned in these stormy times for democracies worldwide. Kickstarter campaign aims to get this graphic novel project over the finish line. Paul answers The Meteor’s questions on why he wants to graphically re-tell Tom’s story to a new audience.