An epidemiologist’s report reveals some startling figures linking the high levels of Covid-19 mortality in Greater Manchester to areas experiencing the most inequality and deprivation within the city region. Guest article from The Conversation.
Wigan care home records most Covid-19 deaths in England
A care home in Wigan has recorded the most deaths due to Covid-19, over a year, of any care home in England, according to data released by the Care Quality Commission. Care homes recording the highest number of Covid deaths in each Greater Manchester borough are presented.
The freedom to see my family overseas should not come at a price
Roberta Barcella recounts the tribulations of exercising her freedom to see her family in Italy during Covid-19.
‘Greed and capitalism will not get the vaccine to the poorest nations on earth’: Manchester fights for fair access to vaccination
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.