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Manchester has emerged as a beacon of progress in the battle against inner-city deprivation, as a recent report highlights the city’s remarkable achievements in this arena. With data revealing a significant decline in deprivation levels from 2010 to 2025, Greater Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, is seizing the opportunity to advocate for a more interventionist economic approach, which he terms ‘Manchesterism’. As he prepares for a crucial byelection in Makerfield and a possible leadership challenge against Keir Starmer, Burnham is keen to showcase Manchester’s economic successes as a model for the nation.
A Groundbreaking Report
The Centre for Cities has released a comprehensive study indicating that Manchester recorded the steepest decline in inner-city deprivation across the UK, outperforming 62 other towns and cities. The report reveals a 17-percentage-point drop in deprivation rates for neighbourhoods surrounding the city centre, a testament to the positive changes implemented over recent years.
Between 2010 and 2025, the proportion of neighbourhoods in inner-city Manchester classified as among the most deprived fell from 75.7% to 58.4%. This significant improvement reflects not only local policy decisions but also broader economic trends that have favoured major urban centres.
The Context of Improvement
In a broader context, the report details that the overall share of inner-city neighbourhoods classified in the 20% most deprived areas across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland decreased from 38% to 31%. While Manchester took the lead, other cities like London and Liverpool also made noteworthy contributions to this national decline in deprivation.
The methodology used in the report draws on the indices of multiple deprivation, which assess various factors such as employment, education, health, and crime rates. This comprehensive analysis offers a clearer picture of the socio-economic landscape, particularly in urban areas.
Challenges Remain
However, the report also underscores that not all areas are experiencing such positive trends. In fact, several regions, particularly in the North and Midlands, have seen rising deprivation rates. Seven of the ten cities with the largest increases in deprivation were located in these regions, including Derby and Sunderland. This divergence highlights the uneven nature of economic recovery across the country.
As Burnham campaigns in Makerfield, one of Greater Manchester’s westernmost constituencies, the emphasis is on ensuring that all areas benefit from economic policies. His strategy is to position himself as a champion of local interests, particularly in regions that have not yet felt the full benefits of urban revival.
The Call for Support
Andrew Carter, the chief executive of the Centre for Cities, has called on the government to provide more robust support for metro mayors, suggesting that cities with devolved powers have outperformed their smaller counterparts. “The government needs to continue to back mayors to deliver and ensure their plans for fiscal devolution reward metro mayors for the steps they take to boost local growth,” he stated. This appeal for support underscores the importance of local governance in addressing economic disparities and fostering regional growth.
Why it Matters
The findings of this report are crucial not only for Manchester but for the entire UK. As Burnham advocates for a proactive economic philosophy, the data illustrates that targeted interventions can yield significant improvements in deprivation levels. This case study serves as a blueprint for other cities grappling with similar challenges, reinforcing the idea that localised solutions, when effectively implemented, can lead to meaningful change. The implications are clear: as cities strive to recover from economic setbacks, empowering local leaders with the tools and resources to drive growth is essential for a more equitable future.
