In March, the Government said it stood ready to do “whatever was necessary” to support councils in their response to coronavirus.

After lockdown was declared, Manchester City Council set up an emergency helpline for those in need of support, and redeployed staff to tasks such as delivering food parcels and prescriptions to those self-isolating.

The financial impact of the coronavirus crisis on Manchester City Council – including lost revenue – is estimated to be £167m for 2020/21 alone. However, the Government haven’t covered this cost. In fact, so far, it has only provided a fraction of that amount –  leaving a black hole of over £130m; a figure which is expected to get even bigger over the next few years.

Over the last ten years, successive Coalition and Conservative governments have imposed crippling cuts on Manchester City Council.  We need the Government to cover the cost of the crisis or yet more cuts will be inflicted on our city and its residents.

To add your voice to those standing up to Manchester, please sign our petition below.

Dear Chancellor,

I am asking the Government to give Manchester City Council a budget settlement that covers both the cost of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and the lost revenue suffered as a result of it, so that more cuts aren’t imposed on the people of Manchester.