Mayor Burnham Talks Devolution at Manchester Uni
The University of Manchester hosted the Mayor Andy Burnham for a discussion on The Future of Devolution for Greater Manchester on 21 March at the Royce Hub.
Opening remarks were delivered by Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, who spoke about the devolution model in Manchester and how the city is reimagining the architecture of the British state.
The discussion between the Mayor and Mark Morrin from thinktank ResPublica, which launched the pivotal report Devo Max – Devo Manc in 2014 and organised the event with the University’s Policy@Manchester team, explored the origins of the role of Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Mr Burnham outlined the initial blueprint for the position and how the role has evolved since he took office. He highlighted how homelessness was one of his priority issues from the outset, and how dealing with these forefront problems paved the way to looking at bigger picture, longer-term issues in the region.
He compared the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to a unified government department and criticised the siloed nature of certain national government institutions. He credited the powerful ‘place first’ nature of Manchester’s political structure and the abundance of community-led initiatives in the region like Live Well, which focuses on health and wellbeing.
During the discussion, Mr Burnham outlined his bold ambitions for skills development in Greater Manchester and highlighted a wider need to link local labour markets to schools. He also discussed his ultimate aim for an employer-driven, all-age, integrated technical education system and his personal pursuit of a Greater Manchester Baccalaureate qualification.
During the conversation, Mr Burnham noted the contribution universities make to Greater Manchester and how The University of Manchester’s research helps to influence strategies and policies that make a real difference in people’s lives.
He also cited the wave of innovation the University has catalysed through initiatives like Unit M, which aims to connect the innovation ecosystem in Manchester and the wider region to accelerate inclusive growth. He also mentioned the University of Manchester’s partnership with the University of Cambridge, and how Manchester can catalyse economic growth through research and innovation.
Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor at The University of Manchester said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Mayor Andy Burnham for this timely conversation on the future of devolution in Greater Manchester.
“Andy’s vision for the region is inspiring and highlights continuing opportunities to work together – whether that’s equipping our future workforce with essential skills, or driving inclusive growth through initiatives like Unit M. As we continue developing the University’s 2035 strategy, these discussions remind us of the power of collaboration and the positive impact we can make together for our communities.”
Mr Burnham noted how the education system underserves people who choose not to go to university. He appealed to all local businesses and institutions in the region to prepare 45-day work placements for young people, citing how 50% of young people given these placements go on to work for the employer.
Reflecting on the event, Mr Burnham said: “It has been a rollercoaster for Greater Manchester over the last 10 years in a really positive way. I believe the changes we will see over the next decade will be even more dramatic than the last, and the architecture of the British state will seismically change too. We are looking back at a decade of above-average growth, and across the city we have worked collaboratively to get to the great place we are now.
“Universities have been some of our most instrumental partners over the years, helping us to build an intellectual case for our strategy. I look forward to our continued work with The University of Manchester as we look to upskill and develop our talent across the city-region.”
Mark Morrin, Head of Research at ResPublica said: “Greater Manchester has been at the vanguard of place-based devolution since securing its first breakthrough deal over 10 years ago. Progress has been incremental and there is still some way to go before the depth of powers outlined in our Devo Max – Devo Manc report are realised; not least fiscal devolution. But the devolution revolution is clearly under way and mayoral authorities are set to be the strategic place makers and power brokers of the future.”
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/mayor-andy-burnham-visits-the-university-of-manchester-to-discuss-the-future-of-devolution-in-greater-manchester/