The case for a new “investment-led” non-charging Clean Air Zone (CAZ) plan in Greater Manchester has now been published.
After the previous plan was referred back to the government for “urgent review” back in January, and after Prime Minister Boris Johnson conceded that it was “completely unworkable” for the region, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has now set out evidence supporting an investment-led, and crucially for residents and motorists, a non-charging Clean Air Plan – which it says is “the best solution” to address the roadside nitrogen dioxide (NO2) problem.
The publishing of the new plan also comes after Environment Secretary George Eustice suggested that the region consider implementing a smaller charging Clean Air Zone that just covers Manchester city centre.
However, all of Greater Manchester’s leaders say they are clear that clean air compliance should be achieved through a non-charging approach.
Unlike the previous charging Clean Air Zone scheme set out by the government, GMCA says this new plan takes into account the rising cost of living crisis by avoiding charging motorists across the region, and will also “actively consider” the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic – particularly on Manchester city centre.
The new case also addresses some concerns that were previously raised over the price of new and used commercial vehicles rising, which makes upgrading less affordable for people.
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GMCA insists that tackling the health impact of poor air quality still remains a top priority for Greater Manchester.
“The Case for a New Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan outlines how Greater Manchester would meet air quality legal limits in a way which is fair to local people and businesses and does not create the risk of financial hardship,” explains Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.
“Our city is still recovering from the pandemic and we don’t want the government to level-down our city-centre with their proposals to charge businesses from across Greater Manchester who have to travel through or work within the proposed charging area [as] even a small charging Clean Air Zone would result in a considerable financial burden for the many businesses moving products and people through Manchester city centre, providing a significant setback in economic recovery from the impact of the pandemic, and during a cost of living crisis.
“The government wants us to charge Greater Manchester businesses at a time when they can least afford it.”
Once the plan has been considered by the Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee (GM AQAC) – which is made up of elected representatives of Greater Manchester’s 10 local authorities – it will be submitted to the government to meet a deadline on 1 July.
Tasked by the government to bring NO2 air pollution within legal limits as soon as possible and by 2026 at the latest, the GM AQAC will be asked to agree that the next stage of the new plan will be developed through intensive engagement with business and the community.
“Based on the evidence, including the impact that a charging Clean Air Zone would have on their ability to make a living, and the risk to jobs and livelihoods, we have had the opportunity to fundamentally change the nature of the Clean Air scheme which we now feel is fit for purpose and fair to the people of our city region,” said Cllr Andrew Western, GMCA’s portfolio lead for Clean Air.
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He added: “We will now move into a period of more intensive engagement with business and the community to bring together the detailed policy of the new Clean Air Plan.”
You can find out more and read the GM CAZ plan in full here.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Helen Flanagan describes psychosis diagnosis as she breaks social media silence
Daisy Jackson
Helen Flanagan has broken a months-long social media silence to explain to fans that she has been going through struggles with her mental health.
The former Coronation Street star explained that she’d had a ‘really bad reaction’ to some ADHD medication, which triggered psychosis.
The 33-year-old actress also said that she had been ’emotionally struggling’ after splitting with Scott Sinclair, with whom she shares three children.
Helen Flanagan wrote on Instagram that she’s had ‘a lot of difficult things going on’, explaining why she has stepped back from the public eye since January.
She also said that she was unaware that she was in the psychosis, which lasted for days.
It left her unable to continue with theatre rehearsals and instead Helen stayed at home with her family to recover.
Helen also said that she’d decided to try the medication after struggling with her mental health throughout December and January, so that she could ‘cope better with being a working single mum-of-three’.
But the Bury-born beauty then assured her one million followers that she was in a ‘really good happy place now’ and ‘feels lighter’.
She wrote, alongside a fresh-faced selfie on Instagram: “Had a few months off from social but I’m back now. So basically I really struggled mental health wise December/ January. I felt really not great in my head over Christmas and I didn’t really feel that much different when I took the kids away for new year.
“I had a lot of difficult things going on, things I just can’t talk about on Instagram.
“I felt terrible, so I was due my theatre tour which I was excited about so when I came back from holiday I thought it was best for me to take some medication so I’d feel better and be able to cope better with being a working single mum of three and I was emotionally struggling with the break up from the father of my kids but I had a really bad reaction though to the medication ( an ADHD medication) and it sent me into a psychosis for a few days which I didn’t know I was in. I just love my kids so much.
“This bad reaction though was a few days before rehearsals were starting and sadly I just wasn’t mentally well enough to do it.
“I was heartbroken as I’ve always been professional as an actress but i needed to stay at home and feel better for me and my kids, with the help of my amazing parents.
“I’ve always been honest on here and I feel in a really good happy place now. Therapy can be amazing and I feel like I’ve worked on myself with things that were quite tough to me but I feel lighter now. Anyway sending love and please be kind.”
She’s been flooded with well-wishes since sharing the very personal update.
Her former Corrie co-star and on-screen sister Brooke Vincent wrote: “Nice to see you back my girl. Love you lots xx”
Another Corrie legend, Cath Tyldesley, said: “Beautiful girl love you lots you are so brave . Health comes first. Well done for sharing as I’m sure it will help others xxxx.”
Another person said: “I read the word struggle, but I felt the word strength. There’s so much strength in seeking help, especially as a busy, working mama. You don’t even need to explain.”
International manhunt launched to find killer of Daniel Burke, who died in Ukraine
Daisy Jackson
A global manhunt is underway to find the suspect wanted in connection with the killing of Daniel Burke.
Daniel, 36, from Wythenshawe, was found dead in Ukraine in September 2023.
Ukrainian authorities have now named the suspect in their investigation, who has fled the area.
Specialist officers are in pursuit of Abdelfetah ‘Adam’ Nourine, also known as ‘Jihadi Adam’, an Australian Algerian dual national.
Daniel Burke went missing from south Manchester on Wednesday 16 August 2023, with his family believing he had travelled to Ukraine.
In September 2023, a body was found by authorities, and late last year DNA tests confirmed it to be Daniel.
GMP has said that his death is ‘made more traumatic by the absence of justice’ as they shared details of the investigation.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes of GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said: “Our deepest condolences continue to be with Daniel Burke’s family, who have endured the most awful six months. We know his death is only made more traumatic by the absence of justice, and those closest to Daniel remain at the heart of our involvement in this case.
“Since we were made aware of Daniel’s tragic death in Ukraine in September 2023, our specially trained Family Liaison Officers were quickly sent to support his close family members to offer advice surrounding the Ukrainian investigation.
“We’ve worked closely with the Foreign Office, The British Embassy, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and also Daniel’s family, to help repatriate Daniel and bring him home so his family and friends could finally lay him to rest.
“Our officers and forensic specialists also conducted extensive additional tests on Daniel’s body upon his return to the UK to ensure that the best evidence was obtained and then shared with Ukrainian authorities as promptly as possible. Everything in our power continues to be done to assist the investigation team in Ukraine.
“Alongside Daniel’s family we have been informed by authorities in Ukraine that they have a named suspect in their investigation into Daniel’s death, Abdelfetah ‘Adam’ Nourine. Also known as ‘Jihadi Adam’ an Australian Algerian dual national, who has subsequently fled the area and remains outstanding in efforts to find him.
“His Majesty’s Area Coroner for Manchester Zak Golombek has been updated at every stage. The opening of the inquest into Daniel’s death last month was an important step forward in the journey to ensure that Daniel’s family receive the answers they deserve, but we know this will not stop until his killer is brought to justice in the Ukraine.
“Nothing will bring Daniel back, but regardless of how long the process may take, we remain committed to doing all we can to help gain justice for Daniel and his family.”