Housing 2025

It was great to join politicians, policy-makers, housing specialists and registered providers at Housing 2025 in Manchester. I spoke on two panels. On Wednesday I joined colleagues to discuss the effect from the Spending Review on the governments ability to deliver its target of 1.5million homes. I made it clear that hitting this target will require a systematic, collaborative approach between local, regional and national government, as well as registered providers and the private sector. Crucially, whilst the number of homes delivered is important, the type of homes is too, and we particularly need thousands more social homes.

I also spoke at the launch event for GMCA’s Good Landlord Charter. The first of its kind in the UK, the Charter recognises good landlords whilst targeting enforcement action against rogue ones, and is part of our ambitions to make sure everyone in Greater Manchester has access to a safe, secure, affordable and healthy home.

Pink Picnic

It was great to join the Pink Picnic along with Salford Labour colleagues and friends from across the city. It’s fantastic to see Salford’s LGBTQ+ event bringing people together to celebrate community, diversity, equality and inclusion. Thanks to Salford Pride and everyone involved for making this event happen.

Cleaner, Safer, Greener Summit

I was delighted to join Salford’s first Cleaner, Safer, Greener summit on Friday. The discussions were full of passion, pledges & action – delivering our Salford Labour manifesto in real time – and the outcomes will shape an action plan for our new community-led steering group to take forward.

Salford Cultural Education Partnership

I joined colleagues from the Council and partners from across the city at Walk the Plank to launch Play is Powerful, our new strategy to help young people in Salford take part in culture and creativity.

The strategy gives us a clear and inclusive framework for ensuring every young person, no matter their background, can access the transformative power of the arts, and is part of our wider commitment to making Salford a Child Friendly City.

Artificial Intelligence Roundtable

I was pleased to chair Salford’s first Artificial Intelligence Roundtable at HOST in MediaCity. My thanks to GMCA, Landsec, Dock 10, Salford University and other partners for their input into such a valuable discussion as we shape Greater Manchester’s AI Demonstrator work.

Campaigning

You will have received some dates for Salford Labour campaigning sessions last week. The details are also below:

Sunday 6th July – Cadishead & Lower Irlam

11am-12.30pm meet at meet at Irlam Station, Station Rd, Irlam M44 5AB for litter picking in Linear Park

Thursday 10th July – Walkden South

6pm-7.30pm meet at Parr Fold Park, Rutland Road M28 7DT

Saturday 12th July –  Pendlebury & Clifton

10.30am-12 meet at Lock Keepers Mews, Pendlebury, M27 8AQ

Its so important that we are visible and active in our communities, as retaining a Labour-controlled council is the only way we can continue the hard work of delivering a fairer, greener, more inclusive Salford.