The Labour Party’s blocking of a Green New Deal motion is a catastrophe for the party, the country and the climate, argues Sean Benstead.
Rochdale’s community-led housing pioneers lead the way to more social homes
Terry and Sue Smith have set up a housing co-operative to build homes for the community in Langley. ‘Rochdale is the birthplace of co-operation. We’re channelling that spirit.’
Food bank users challenge negative stereotypes peddled by politicians
Can You Hear Me Now? Project aims to dismiss damaging stereotypes around food bank use, by giving voice to the users, and promote an ongoing discussion about how to tackle poverty across Greater Manchester.
Put people – not profit – at heart of land use, says Liverpool Land Commission
England’s first Land Commission, facilitated by the Manchester-based Centre for Local Economic Strategies, said Liverpool’s leaders should recognise “the true social purpose of land” rather than seeing it just as a “commodity”.
Neil McInroy: taking the fight for a fairer economy to America
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.
The privatisation of Manchester
As Manchester becomes increasingly gentrified and local communities are priced out, a new report on the city’s land use has found a pattern of privatisation and sell-offs – aided and abetted by its Labour council.
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.