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Public consultation on Manchester's Green Dividend

Residents are to be consulted on how to spend a £14.5 million windfall to make Manchester cleaner and greener.

The city council has established a Clean and Green Places reserve made up of the extra dividend from Manchester Airport. The authority is seeking views on how to spend the money spent over the financial year, 2014/15 and 2015/16 to manage the environment.

The money cannot be spent on projects which would create ongoing costs, such as hiring extra staff or supporting existing facilities, but must go to one-off investments which would make a lasting difference to improve the quality of the environment.

The authority received the extra airport dividend through its shareholding in Manchester Airport. Most of this funding is a one-off, largely due to Manchester Airport Holdings Ltd’s purchase of Stansted Airport.

Councillor Bernard Priest, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Residents tell us that having a clean and green city is a real priority which is why we are earmarking this money to support that goal.

“We’re now making it as easy as possible for residents to tell us how they think this money should be spent and we want to hear any ideas from them about one-off investments which will help us make a difference to the city.

“We recognise that Manchester, in common with other major cities, is not as clean and green as it could - and indeed should - be. This is something which we are determined to improve and this new funding will make a significant contribution.

“We will be looking at investments on a project-by-project basis but, as an example, this could involve investment in new facilities such as more and better litter bins, new equipment and initiatives to challenge the behaviour of those who cause environmental problems in the city.

“As always, we will also be listening to the views of communities and are keen to hear their ideas to see how we can work together.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .