An extra £6 million in funding has been allocated to supporting some of the ‘most vulnerable’ residents and families across Manchester.
Since the cost of living crisis first emerged and began to make an impact, with the effects continuing to be felt by millions nationwide – including here in Greater Manchester – to this day, Manchester City Council says “a huge amount of resource has been dedicated to “mitigating some of its worst impacts” within the city-region.
But now, the local authority is set to take its support one step further.
Through the latest round of the Government-funded Household Support Fund (HSF), an additional £6 million has been allocated by the Council so it can continue to “provide aid for those most at risk”.
We are spending an extra £6m to support our city's most vulnerable residents and families.
This includes free school meals for 44,000 families via a £15 weekly payment in summer half-term and £55 in the summer holiday.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) May 17, 2024
£3 million of the funding will go towards the continuation of free school meals for families in Manchester – which currently covers an estimated 44,000 children via a £15 weekly payment during the summer half term, and a £55 payment during the summer holiday.
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On top of this, around £100,000 has been allocated for the ‘Holiday Activity Fund’, which provides free activities and days out for children during the summer.
Direct financial support for at-risk groups, including households in receipt of Council Tax Support and care leavers, has also been allocated, and finally, additional funding will also be directed to third party agencies that offer support and advice on a range of issues, as well as the Council’s ‘Food Response’ scheme delivered in partnership with over 40 food organisations.
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Manchester City Council has allocated an extra £6m funding to supporting Manchester’s ‘most vulnerable’ residents / Credit: Manchester City Council
“The ongoing cost of living crisis has been an incredibly difficult experience for thousands of people living in Manchester,” commented Councillor Joanna Midgley, who is the Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council.
“It has deepened already existing inequalities, which is why as an organisation we are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent people from slipping into poverty, and alleviating its worst effects for people living on its edge.”
Cllr Midgley is also urging anyone who finds themselves struggling to contact the Council “as soon as” they can.
— Barefoot Spooky Bartender 👣💀🍹 (@barefoottiki) October 10, 2024
“Be assured there won’t be 14408mph winds, hurricane force winds or overnight temperatures of 404°C.
“It is being looked at and hopefully sorted asap.”
BBC Weather shared: “You may have noticed some data issues on our app and website. We are working hard to fix it quickly. Sorry – please bear with us.
“In the meantime here are Thursday’s weather headlines: -Colder, clearer air moving in -Rain and drizzle in south -Blustery showers near east coast”
And national treasure Carol Kirkwood said live on air: “We are having a technical glitch at the moment. It’s showing wind speeds far too fast, in fact, hurricane strength and that is not the case at all.
“Please don’t be alarmed. We are aware of it and on it.”
At the time of writing, the BBC Weather forecast service is still predicting hurricane force winds for the UK. Eek.
BBC issues statement after UK forecast shows ‘hurricane force winds’ up to 14,000mph
New 44-storey skyscraper proposed that could change one of Manchester’s most famous views
Emily Sergeant
Plans for a massive new 44-storey residential skyscraper in the heart of the city centre have been revealed.
But does this mean it could change one Manchester‘s most famous views?
Located on what has been referred to as a “prominent site” adjacent to Deansgate train station and Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop at Whitworth Street West, these dramatic proposals would see the development of 364 apartments set over 44 storeys – with more 7,750 sq ft of active space on the ground, first, and second floor levels.
Developers Glenbrook say the building has been designed to “respond to the city’s heritage”, most-notably through its three-storey arched terracotta colonnade at street level.
Well-lit new green spaces, the enhancing of existing pedestrian routes, and seamless integration with the surrounding communities, all form part of the landscaping proposals for the bold new project.
“As a Manchester-based developer, we are excited about the prospect of embarking on a landmark development in the heart of our city, admitted Daniel Roberts, who is the Development Director at Glenbrook, as the proposals were unveiled this week.
“Whitworth Street West is undergoing a period of revitalisation, and Glenbrook are incredibly proud to be playing such an integral part in its future.”
A CGI of a proposed skyscraper on Whitworth Street West in Manchester / Credit: Glenbrook
A public consultation on the plans has now been launched, and will be live up until 28 October, as well as a dedicated in-person event, where representatives from Glenbrook and the design team will be on hand to answer questions and gather feedback, scheduled to take place at HOME MCR on First Street from 3:30-7:30pm on 15 October.
Residents, businesses, and interested stakeholders will have the opportunity to view the plans in detail, and provide their thoughts on the proposals.
The view of what Whitworth Street West currently looks like in October 2024 / Credit: The Manc Group
According to developers, the feedback gathered during the consultation will play a key role in shaping the final planning application – which will be submitted to the Manchester City Council in the coming months, and ultimately ensure the development meets the needs of the community.
Emily Sergeant -
20th May 2024 
