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Councils promise to make life better

16/07/2008

A new partnership between the government and Greater Manchester councils has been established to increase economic growth and boost the quality of life for residents and workers.

The so-called Multi-Area Agreement (MAA) aims to provide better education and skills for 14 to 19-year-olds, reduce the number of people out of work and increase the number of affordable homes.

In return for these promises, councils in the city-region will get more freedom from Whitehall to influence housing and employment policies, and to pilot innovative transport schemes.

The government says the MAA will encourage the ten councils to take "collective responsibility" when it comes to tackling deprivation and create places where people want to live.

Communities and local government secretary Hazel Blears said: "A better economy means a better quality of life for local people by connecting people to training, work and homes and through better transport."

According to new report, the city of Manchester is Britain's fastest-growing economy, with employment having risen by 14 per cent since the start of the decade.