Open letter to new mayor

ELECTED Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham at Labour celebration at the University Campus Oldham

OLDHAM housing organisation First Choice Homes says Andy Burnham has a "unique opportunity to end the region's housing crisis" and a critical role to play in transforming Greater Manchester for future generations.

The housing provider has signed an open letter to the new Greater Manchester Mayor on behalf of Greater Manchester Housing Providers, which represents the region's social housing sector.

The letter says: "We share your priorities and the collective role we play in communities means we can help you achieve the promises you have made.

"We want to work with you to grow the region's economy and deliver the homes that local people have said Greater Manchester desperately needs.

"Together we can increase the supply of affordable homes, tackle homelessness and create jobs and growth as we invest and build throughout Greater Manchester.

"With rising house prices, increases in private rents and growing homelessness, affordable housing is beyond the reach of far too many. Our research has shown eight out of 10 people in Greater Manchester believe there is a shortage of affordable homes in the region.

"We've been campaigning for everyone in Greater Manchester to live in a home they can afford, and the public has spoken.

"It's now time for us to get on with the job and work together to achieve that goal, build homes and end the housing crisis. Greater Manchester expects and we can help."