A £30 million support package has been announced to help Manchester residents with the cost of living this winter.
Manchester City Council is set to spend the money on helping those facing hardship and poverty as the weather turns colder, and this includes £6.5 million awarded through the Government’s Household Support Fund to target support for those most in-need of help to pay for energy, water, food, and other essentials up to April 2025.
According to the Council, this will supplement the already-ongoing wider work to support residents at risk from the cost of living throughout the year.
Enhanced support for pensioners has also been announced this week.
Under the new scheme, pensioners who are not in receipt of pension credits – and therefore will not receive the winter fuel payment – but still need support over the winter, will now be eligible for payments of £150, or £200 if they are aged 80 or over.
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The cost of living is continuing to hit Mancunians. That's why we're announcing a wide range of support for those who need it.
All low income Manchester households in receipt of Council Tax Support, where at least one person gets disability benefits, will get an automatic payment of £100 from the Council, it has been confirmed – with an estimated 21,437 households across the city are expected to benefit from this.
£10 per week is also to be paid to around 350 care leavers, who are living in their own tenancies across the city.
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Families with children who are eligible for free school meals during term time will receive payments for each eligible child of £15 for the autumn half term, £30 for the Christmas holiday, and £15 for the spring 2025 half term to prevent holiday hunger – with payments distributed via Manchester schools.
A further £190,000 will also be allocated to the Council’s Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) to provide free activities for children during half terms.
A £30m winter support package has been announced to help Manchester residents with the cost of living / Credit: RawPixel
To round things off, £200,000 will be allocated to voluntary and community sector organisations working in the city to help make sure those who are harder-to-reach are still supported, and £20,000 will be added to funding for the Council’s existing welfare support scheme to provide grants for those facing hardship.
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Councillor Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council, says these targeted payments will “make a real difference” to tens of thousands of Manchester people who are struggling with cost of living pressures.
“The message is clear, if you are struggling this winter, please contact us and we will support you,” she concluded.
Residents struggling with costs and wanting to find out more about the range of support available are encouraged to contact the Cost of Living Advice Line on freephone 0800 0232692 between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Payments will be made from November onwards.
Featured Image – EthelRedThePetrolHead (via Flickr)
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Manchester Town Hall is FINALLY taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018
Emily Sergeant
A new era is on the horizon, as Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’ll be finally taking bookings for weddings and events once again.
That’s right… for the first time since it closed its doors to the public for what is the UK’s biggest restoration project to date back in 2018, one of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks is soon set to welcome its first weddings and events in a decade – with bookings for the city’s most romantic address now open once again.
Manchester Town Hall has stood at the centre of civic life in the city since 1877, and for generations, couples have exchanged their vows within its walls.
Now, as it enters the home stretch of its restoration, the Grade I-listed building is gearing up to kickstart weddings and corporate events from January 2028.
Set reopen to the public next year, first up will be a series of celebratory reopening events – which are yet to be announced – before a phased approach will then allow the building and teams to be fully prepared to host commercial events again from 2028.
Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’s finally taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018 / Credit: Supplied
From its grand architecture and soaring stained glass windows, to sweeping staircases that offer the perfect ‘just married’ photo opportunities, this one-of-a-kind venue gives couples the opportunity to combine the romance and grandeur of a historic setting with the energy of a city centre celebration.
Inside the restored building, you’ll find The Great Hall, which is a magnificent setting with striking architectural character, as well as The Conference Hall, The Banqueting Hall, and The Reception Room, all of which offer equally characterful spaces that are perfect for private dinners, ceremonies, or corporate events.
The Lord Mayor’s Parlour is one of many settings overlooking the newly reopened Albert Square, while various elegant reception areas provide the perfect location for drinks and arrival moments.
“Our Town Hall is a real Victorian masterpiece and we’re looking forward to sharing it with the public once again,” explained Cllr Garry Bridges, who is Leader of Manchester City Council, as bookings finally open up this week.
“It’s a special building which belongs to the people and it’s great that they will be able to celebrate important landmarks in their lives, such as marriage, in its spectacular setting.
“The Town Hall is full of history. Here’s to many more stories being written within its walls.”
Want to be one of the first people who gets married or hosts an event at Manchester Town Hall once it reopens in 2028? You can enquire about booking here.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
Bolton personal trainer charged with sexual offences relating to multiple women
Emily Sergeant
A personal trainer from Bolton has been charged with sexual offences relating to multiple women.
Following an extensive investigation into alleged crimes in the Bolton area, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that Payam Postchi, of Greenway Close in Bury, has been charged with one count of sexual assault by penetration, and two counts of sexual assault by touching.
The charges relate to three women, according to GMP.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples, from GMP’s Bolton district, explained: “Following an initial investigation by officers, we have secured three charges in relation to alleged sex offences committed at a business in the Bolton area.
“We understand that the nature of this kind of investigation may cause anxiety, but I want to stress that all appropriate work is being completed, with the women involved being supported throughout the process.”
Postchi, who is a British national of Iranian origin, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates court yesterday (30 September 2026).
Detectives are now urging the public to ‘avoid speculation’ during active criminal proceedings, but are still appealing for any relevant information.
DCI Sharples concluded: “If anyone thinks they have any information or otherwise has concerns in relation to the case, I would urge them to come forward.
“Additionally, I would remind people that criminal proceedings are now active and to avoid speculation which could impact the ongoing work.”
Emily Sergeant -
15th October 2024 
