Friday, 4 November 2016 at 12:00 pm – Friday, 4 November 2016 at 3:00 pm
Devolution or (R)evolution?: Debating a Constitution for Manchester
Date: Friday 4th November
Time: 12pm - 3pm
Location: Business School BS3.28, Manchester
Tickets: Free and available at: https://devolution-or-revolution.eventbrite.com
The recent 2014 Devolution Agreement transferred particular powers and responsibilities from national government to the local region of Greater Manchester. The creation of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) aims to facilitate devolution of the region. Ideally, devolution will enable local residents and meet their goals and needs, rather than working to the national agenda. This event explores the appetite for a constitution for the region amongst local agencies, businesses and voluntary agencies. According to The Constitution Unit the function of a constitution is to ‘organise, distribute and regulate state power’ (2016). Historically an official written UK constitution has not been necessary, though “it has been suggested that the British Constitution can be summed up in eight words ‘what the Queen in Parliament enacts is law’” (The Constitution Unit 2016). Given the proposed devolution of Manchester, it would make sense to consult with Mancunians and local agencies on their views on a constitution for Manchester. Manchester City Council does have an existing basic constitution on their web site. This is a useful starting point for a debate. The devolution agreement means additional powers and greater accountability for the region via a new elected mayor in 2017. Currently the 'interim' mayor (Tony Lloyd) has joined the GMCA's ten decision-making council leaders. New powers for the region cover numerous areas such as transport, regeneration and development, housing, employment, training, business, economic growth, health, social care and criminal justice.
Convened by Dr Joanne Massey
Joanne Massey received her PhD from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2007. She has published on a number of subjects including of community safety and crime prevention, young people, moral panic, urban space and gentrification. She is currently carrying out research into social exclusion in cities and local decision-making processes. Her research interests are: youth cultures, social exclusion, crime prevention, urban design, culture and regulation. She currently works as a Senior Lecturer in Criminology in the Dept. of Sociology at MMU.