Greater Manchester must improve health and happiness to fulfil potential, says report

Greater Manchester’s economic potential is being held back by poor levels of health and happiness, according to new data.

Research from professional services firm Grant Thornton UK LLP has discovered that people living in the Greater Manchester area are less healthy and happy than the average Brit.

In its latest Vibrant Economy Index, which measures the economic and social performance of English towns and cities through factors such as prosperity, wellbeing, happiness, inclusion and equality, Grant Thornton gave Manchester an overall ‘vibrancy’ score of 96.93 (against a UK average of 100).

The index ranked 324 local authorities according to vibrancy, as measured using GVA, educational attainment, average income, fuel poverty, obesity levels, air quality and crime rates.

In that list, Trafford came 58th but neighbouring Salford placed 251st and Oldham 285th.

The research also revealed disparities in health and happiness between the different communities making up Greater Manchester, with higher levels generally being found outside the city centre.

Life expectancy in Greater Manchester as a whole is 79.5 years, nearly two below the national average of 81.4. That figure rises to 81.5 Stockport but drops to 77.8 in the city of Manchester.

Childhood obesity stood at 16% of the Trafford population, but leapt to 24% in Manchester against a national average of 19%.

Participation in sports was found to be higher than average (of 23.5%) in Bury, Bolton, Trafford and Stockport, but fell to 19% in Oldham.

Sarah Howard, a Manchester-based partner at Grant Thornton, said of the findings: “We’re all familiar with statistics pointing to varying health outcomes across Greater Manchester.

“But what these don’t tell us is the progress that is being made in the region. It is home to trailblazing businesses which put employee wellbeing at the core, a centre of world-class technological innovation, and is leading the way with a devolved healthcare budget of £6bn to unlock the potential of health and social care integration.”

She continued: “Economic growth is not the only thing that will make our region future-proof. Creating economic growth and prosperity is important, but so too is creating a Greater Manchester where people feel happy and healthy, as well as promoting inclusion, equality and a sense of belonging in communities so that people as well as businesses can thrive.

“We all share a responsibility to work towards a healthier, happier and more prosperous Greater Manchester.”