A new report has highlighted the importance of tackling health inequalities in Greater Manchester to improve living conditions.
It revealed if the city region were to raise its productivity to the UK average it could bring in over £8billion and an extra £3billion boost if all parts are brought up to the city-region average.
The Greater Manchester Independent Prosperity Review, updated from 2019, has been written by economists under the lead of the University of Cambridge’s Professor of Public Policy, Professor Diane Coyle.
She commented: “Without improved productivity, wages and job quality cannot improve and living standards cannot rise over time.
“The pandemic underlined the fundamental importance of health and its link to economic performance.”
The panel of economists warned that consistent economic planning is key, with improvements to health and wellbeing, even as businesses face issues with the cost of living crisis.
In parts of the city-region nearly a third of those who can work were not doing so, as of 2021 – with ill-health being a key factor.
Manchester council leader Bev Craig said: “This report is an important piece of work that will help us update our economic strategy in light of the unprecedented events.
“But it also highlights the urgent need to continue to address health and wealth inequalities for our residents, improve productivity … to truly unlock our potential.
“Guided by the recommendations in this report, we are now working on a refreshed Local Industrial Strategy which will set out a path to prosperity and growth in Greater Manchester for the next decade.”
These improvements would raise living standards across Greater Manchester for workers significantly.
And whilst there have been significant improvements over the past 10 years, they still lag behind the UK average.
These ideas were discussed at the Stagnation Nation joint event with the Resolution Foundation Greater Manchester Combined Authority last week, which can be watched below:
This report will now inform an updated version of the Local Industrial Strategy which will be published later this year.
The full report can be found on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority website.
