The Greater Manchester Living Income campaign is fighting to transform the social security system so that it works for all of us, whenever we need it.
A Living Income in Greater Manchester would mean people are guaranteed enough money to afford life’s essentials, and have access to genuine and compassionate employment support. This will provide the foundation for people to build towards a better future, where life is about thriving, not just surviving.
We’re campaigning for a Living Income pilot for 200 households for 2 years in Greater Manchester. We want to show that this works and learn how we can expand this to everyone who needs it in Greater Manchester.
For us living in Greater Manchester, we know what we need so that we can have fulfilled lives.
Our campaign is inspired by the New Economics Foundation’s Living Income campaign and we thank NEF for its support.
Why is this important?
Right now, the inadequate social security system sets people up to fail. For us in Greater Manchester, we know what we need so that we can have fulfilled lives.
Whoever you are - whether you’re a single parent trying to look after your family, or a family new to the country, struggling to find work or just trying to make ends meet - we need a system that looks after us all. A Living Income would ensure that we all have the opportunity to thrive.
What have we done?
Our vision for a Living Income in Greater Manchester has been developed with over 100 community members from a range of backgrounds, with a wide range of life experiences. Together we decided on the levels of payment, the type of support and the approach needed to ensure people can fulfill their potential.
→ In November 2024, we met Mayor Andy Burnham who signed up to all our asks, and committed to attend our launch party in May and publicly back the campaign. He said:
"That's been the best thing I could have had on a Monday lunchtime. A tour de force from you all and it's been a real tonic to help remind me why I do this."
"If a Living Income is to happen, it will first happen in Greater Manchester"
→ In March and April, we held drop-in meetings in Middleton, Tameside and Oldham to speak to community members and understand what a Living Income means for all of us.
→ In May, we officially launched the campaign at Friends Meeting House.
Our next steps
We are now building power, relationships and developing leaders in our local communities to make Living Income a reality in Greater Manchester. We’re calling on Mayor Andy Burnham to help establish a Living Income pilot for 200 households in Middleton, Tameside, Oldham and Manchester.
