Stephen Pennells investigates the inequitable distribution of Covid vaccinations to poorer countries, ahead of a public meeting to debate the issues and push for a ‘Peoples Vaccine’.
Why planning is political
Andrea Sandor explores how community-led developments are putting democracy at the heart of the planning process.
Guest article first published in Red Pepper.
Burnham brings GM bus network back under public control
The metro mayor said the “deregulated” bus network had “not been driven by the needs of our communities, but by bus operators’ responsibilities to their shareholders to make a profit… We can only change that and hold the decline if we bring the buses back under the control of the public.”
Greater Manchester leaders back bringing buses under public control
“On balance, it is in the public interest to make the proposed franchising scheme,” TfGM chief executive Eamonn Boylan told GM council leaders, as they gave the green light on re-franchising the city region’s buses.
Andy Burnham will now make the final decision on introducing a London-style franchise system.
Meteor reporters reflect on a year dominated by Covid-19
Today is the anniversary of a very strange Covid-19 lockdown year. Six Meteor reporters reflect on working through the pandemic and the challenges faced.
‘Unique’ Manchester-led study of deaf young people calls for more participants
Researchers at the University of Manchester and the University of Edinburgh are reporting on the lives of deaf young people in England, Scotland and Wales through the READY study, and are looking for more participants. Noora Mykkanen spoke to the academics and co-inquirers leading the project to find out more.
‘Long term’ and ‘sustainable solutions’ are needed to tackle the ‘systemic’ roots of homelessness
The progress made in housing rough sleepers during the pandemic is under threat as a post-pandemic Manchester approaches, with poverty and its attendant misery on the increase across the region.
Manchester’s lead councillor on homelessness alongside service providers Centrepoint and Mustard Tree believe homelessness is set to increase as we emerge from lockdown.
Four must-see films at the Manchester Film Festival 2021
As Manchester Film Festival 2021 kicks off, Alex King spoke to Manchester-based filmmakers Charlie Watts, Jason Wingard, Mike Ogden and Kieran Stringfellow about their films which are on show at the festival.
‘Financial impact has been absolutely devastating’: art venue managers and artists on the Covid crisis toll
To support struggling creative workers art organisations have joined forces to create the Greater Manchester Artist Hub. Many self-employed and freelance artists have been left without support by the government. Two artists tell of their Covid pandemic experiences.
The Factory arts venue faces huge funding shortfall
Originally costing £110m, The Factory arts centre is now expected to cost £186m and the project is currently tens of millions short of its target. Manchester City Council say they can’t fill the gap because of the dire financial straits they face due to Covid.