Dominic Raab has weighed in as the tier row between Greater Manchester and the government continues – accusing the region of “pulling up the drawbridge”.
Local leaders remain resolute in their unanimous opposition to Greater Manchester’s proposed shift upwards in the government’s flagship tier system – demanding a superior financial package to the one that’s on the table.
But they also know it could ultimately be out of their hands.
Andy Burnham has made no bones about the fact that it’s the government who have the final say on whether Greater Manchester is bumped up to Tier 3 in the coming days.
Asked by the press whether it was inevitable that the region would end up in the ‘very high’ risk category, the Mayor pulled no punches.
“That’s a decision for the government,” he admitted.
Now, Dominic Raab has echoed those comments.
“Obviously, in the last resort the government has the powers to proceed in any event,” the First Secretary of State told Sky News.
“But we would much rather work with the local leaders if at all possible.”
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Raab accused Burnham of putting the government in a difficult position.
“We can’t have a situation as we have seen in Manchester where Andy Burnham is effectively trying to hold the government over a barrel over money and politics when actually we need to take action,” he stated.
“The cases there are 470 per 100,000 so it is very serious, and we must take action in the interest of the people of Manchester and the wider area, and if we take those targeted actions in those areas most affected… we get through this and we avoid the national level lockdown.”
Raab then urged the Mayor “do the right thing by the people of Manchester”, reminding Burnham that the door was “always open”.
“We will keep talking and we’ll keep working,” Raab explained to Sky News.
“Obviously in the last resort the government has the powers to proceed in any event, but we would much rather work with the local leaders if at all possible.”
It’s not about what we want for ourselves, @DominicRaab. It’s about what we want for low-paid and self-employed people everywhere: fairness. https://t.co/diqnm8lmA1
Currently, Greater Manchester is sticking to its guns.
Burnham responded to Raab’s comments on social media, stating: “It’s not about what we want for ourselves [Dominic Raab]. It’s about what we want for low-paid and self-employed people everywhere: fairness.”
Sir Richard Leese has also refused to budge since yesterday afternoon’s press conference.
Speaking on Tier 3 rules, the Manchester City Council leader stated: “They’ve [the government] not been able to provide evidence that it will reduce transmission and they want to close businesses without sufficient support.
“We’ve been under restrictions for nine weeks.”
Coronavirus rates in Manchester are slightly down this week, whereas they are still rising in surrounding boroughs.
News
‘Eyesore’ Northern Quarter car park to be redeveloped as ambitious new neighbourhood
Emily Sergeant
An underused multi-storey car park in the heart of the city centre is set to be sold and redeveloped as an ‘ambitious’ new neighbourhood.
The ‘eyesore’ car park situated in Manchester’s iconic Northern Quarter will be transformed into what Manchester City Council are hoping will become a green and sustainable neighbourhood set to complement the ‘unique and independent’ ethos of the area.
It comes after developers CBRE were appointed by the Council last year to market the Church Street site for disposal, ahead of seeking formal planning permission.
The new scheme will deliver more than 300 new homes – including 60 affordable homes – alongside new commercial opportunities and high-quality public spaces.
A before and proposed after of Church Street Car Park / Credit: Manchester City Council
It’s expected that the development will respect the heritage and architecture of the historic city centre neighbourhood and help to enhance the wider area, all while improving a car park site that has long fallen out of favour.
The new neighbourhood will also feature four new public squares and green spaces, along with opportunities for pedestrianising the surrounding streets as part of the public realm.
As mentioned, commercial space is also part of the plans, as the ground floor of the building will offer a mix of smaller, more affordable units to ensure local independent businesses can access the neighbourhood, alongside units for food and beverage outlets.
“For too long, the Church Street car park has been an eyesore and a barrier to the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council.
“We want to bring forward a world-class development that has the potential to completely transform this part of the neighbourhood, together with the newest city centre public squares and green spaces.”
The final legal negotiations will conclude over the summer, and it’s expected that a public consultation will then take place to inform a future planning application.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
‘Major milestone’ as planning permission secured to transform Oldham town centre
Emily Sergeant
Planning permission has been granted for six transformational sites in Oldham town centre, with developers calling it a ‘major milestone’.
This approval marks a key step forward in Muse Places and Oldham Council‘s long-term partnership with a shared ambition to deliver a ‘vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable’ town centre that not only reflects Oldham’s heritage but also meets the needs of the people who live there.
Following ‘extensive consultation’ with the local community earlier this year, where hundreds of people took park and shared valuable feedback to help shape the proposals, a total of 1,619 new homes will be delivered as part of the plans, offering a mix of high-quality, energy-efficient apartments designed for families, older people, and young professionals.
The plans also include social and affordable housing provision too in a bid to help more local people find a home that suits their needs and circumstances.
According to the Council and developers, the approved plans will bring underused sites back into ‘productive’ use and support a ‘cleaner, greener’ future for Oldham, opening the door to new opportunities for local businesses and communities alike.
“This decision marks a key milestone in delivering on our promises for Oldham,” commented Cllr Arooj Shah, who is the Leader of Oldham Council.
Planning permission has been secured to transform Oldham town centre / Credit: Muse Places
“Oldham Council and Muse have a shared, ambitious vision to create a quality place that people genuinely want to spend time in.
“I am thrilled that we can continue moving forward with our plans, delivering high-quality homes, including the provision of social and affordable homes to meet local needs. We will also support local businesses and create opportunities for everyone, as part of a clean, green and sustainable future.
“Together, we are creating a place that we can all be proud of.”
Site investigation works are now complete at the Civic Centre, and works at Prince’s Gate will begin shortly, followed by the former Magistrates’ Court later this year.
With planning consent secured and preparatory works underway, construction at Prince’s Gate is expected to begin this autumn.
The Manc -
16th October 2020 
