Greater Manchester Leading the Way – What the New Devolution Deal Means for Bolton
Greater Manchester is leading the way for the rest of the country, and Bolton is right at the heart of it. Thanks to Labour leadership under Mayor Andy Burnham, our region is set to receive even greater powers to take control of decisions that matter to us – from public transport to housing, education, and beyond.
This week’s announcement of a new devolution deal – part of the government’s English Devolution White Paper – is a major step forward. While the Conservatives talk about “levelling up,” it’s Labour politicians like Andy Burnham who are delivering real change, with Bolton already seeing the benefits.
Taking Back Control of Our Buses – A Game-Changer for Bolton
Bolton has already been leading the way in a revolution for public transport. Under Andy Burnham’s leadership, Greater Manchester became the first area outside London to take back control of its bus network – and Bolton was where it started.
The Bee Network, launched right here in Bolton in September 2023, has transformed how people get around our town. For the first time in decades, we’ve seen buses run for passengers, not private profit. Fares are capped, routes are better coordinated, and there’s real investment in clean, modern buses that people can rely on.
The new devolution deal builds on this success. By 2028, local rail services will join the Bee Network, creating a seamless public transport system that works for all of us – with buses, trams, and trains integrated under local control. For Bolton, this will mean easier, greener, and more affordable ways to travel across Greater Manchester, whether you’re commuting to work, visiting family, or heading into town.
Affordable Housing Targets – Building Homes That People Need
We all know the housing crisis is hitting Bolton hard, with too many families priced out of decent homes or stuck waiting for social housing. This new deal gives Greater Manchester’s mayor the power to set binding affordable housing targets across all councils, including Bolton.
Labour will use these powers to tackle the housing crisis head-on, ensuring that new developments meet local needs – not just developers’ profits. It’s about building homes that people can actually afford to live in, helping young families, key workers, and everyone else struggling to find a place to call home.
Education and Skills – Preparing Bolton for the Future
Another big win for Greater Manchester is gaining greater control over further education and skills training. In Bolton, this will mean better opportunities for young people and workers looking to upskill or retrain.
Rather than leaving these decisions to Westminster, we can now make sure local education aligns with Bolton’s economic needs – boosting jobs, supporting industries, and giving people the skills they need for the future. This will strengthen our local economy and help Bolton thrive.
A Single Funding Settlement – More Control Over Our Own Future
Under this new deal, Greater Manchester will receive a multi-year funding package, similar to the way devolved governments in Scotland and Wales are funded. This will replace the current messy system of multiple short-term grants, giving the region more flexibility and stability to invest in what matters most.
For Bolton, this means local leaders will have the resources and powers to deliver long-term plans for transport, housing, education, and jobs – ensuring that our town gets its fair share.
Labour Delivering for Bolton
This is what happens when Labour is in charge: real progress, real investment, and decisions made closer to home. While the Tories have spent years centralising power and cutting our services, Andy Burnham and Greater Manchester’s Labour leaders are showing that devolution works – and that Labour can deliver.
Bolton has already seen the benefits of Labour’s bold vision, with cheaper and better buses transforming our public transport. Now, with this new devolution deal, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a better future for everyone in our town.
Labour is on your side – delivering affordable housing, better education, and public transport you can rely on. Together, we’re putting Bolton and Greater Manchester back on the map.
If you have any thoughts or questions about what this deal means for Bolton, get in touch – or better yet, join Bolton Labour and be part of the change!