Manchester - The State of the City

Manchester has commisioned a ground-breaking analysis into the state of our city and everyone who lives here.

The detailed statistical survey highlights the good points and the challenges of life in Manchester today.

And the 70-page dossier will help city leaders to decide on priorities for action and improvements in health, wealth, lifestyle and well-being.

Statistics from the survey show that Manchester is the UK's fastest-growing city economically, with levels of investment second only to London and 100,000 jobs to be created over the next 10 years.

The city's population is growing and becoming more diverse, but 60 per cent of Manchester people are living in some of the UK's most deprived areas. Wages in the city are low because highly-skilled people tend to live outside Manchester, in surrounding districts and counties.

Major events - such as the Great Manchester Run, Manchester Pride, the Jazz Festival and the Food and Drink Festival - bring economic success, levering in £2.73 for every £1 invested by the council.

But there are too many people not working because of unemployment or incapacity. Too many people are ill, and people die earlier than in other parts of the UK. However there has been a 28 per cent reduction in death from circulatory diseases and a 23 per cent reduction in suicides since 1996.

Teenagers' exam results are improving but still lag behind the national average, making it less likely Manchester youngsters will benefit from the jobs boom unless improvements are made.

Three primary schools in the city have been assessed as the fastest improving schools in the country, and provision for children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is judged as "good" or better in 66 per cent of schools.

Improvements are also needed in childrens' health. The average five-year-old has nearly three decayed, extracted or filled primary teeth, compared to one or two in all other five years olds in England.

The survey was commissioned by Manchester Partnership, which brings together community leaders including the council, police, transport, health and children's experts. The most up-to-date draft will be considered by Manchester City Council's top-level committee The Executive on Wednesday September 12.

Leader of Manchester City Council Councillor Sir Richard Leese said:"We are working closely with our partners to make improvements for everyone who lives, works, studies and enjoys themselves in Manchester. To do that, we need to understand the city as it really is, both good and not so good.

"We need to decide on our priorities using rigorous research and analysis, so this is an essential tool for us to move forward in the most effective way possible. We know already we want to encourage improvements in life for young people,and to boost income levels in the city"

" We know that Manchester is a great city, and we want more people share in its successes."

The report on The State of The City will be updated every year, to help monitor improvements and changes.

Note to readers: The final version of The State of the City is currently being completed and will be pasted on the Manchester Partnership website www.manchesterpartnership.org.uk

Media contact

Janine Watson, Tel: 0161 234 3337