Is crime out of control? Or is the UK’s fear culture exploited by the media? Are we responsible for global warming or are we the victims of propaganda? Could a healthy lifestyle ever be an ethical prerequisite for entry to the social housing system?
These were just some of the questions raised at the North West Communities Debate on Thursday 8 November at the City of Manchester Stadium.
The debate, hosted by broadcaster John Stapleton, included a panel of key decision makers within the North West; Sir David Henshaw Chairman of NHS North West, Chief Inspector - Operations Jo Rogerson from Greater Manchester Police, Michael Oglesby, Chairman of North West Investment Company MIDAS, Max Steinberg OBE, Chief Executive of Elevate East Lancashire, and Harvest Housing Group’s Chief Executive Ian Perry.
The opinions of local residents and other agencies were also heard, focusing on a number of issues such as crime, affordable homes, provision for the elderly and the environment, and how the combination of these factors impacts on our communities.
Jo Rogerson opened up the debate with her take on crime and actions that need to be taken, saying:
“There is evidence that crime is coming down however there is still a lot more to do. People need to work together and get involved in their local communities.”
Michael Oglesby said:
“We need to look at total situations. We can’t just look at one issue in isolation but need to address the totality of the problem – the full community.”
Multi-agency work is vitally important to the community activity undertaken by Harvest Housing Group, who organise the debate on an annual basis, and by bringing a number of these organisations together for the North West
Communities Debate they were able to share and consider different opinions on how to further develop their strategies.
The panel addressed the need for a long-tern plan to ensure sustainable communities for the future generations and to secure the region’s economy.
Ian Perry Chief Executive at Harvest Housing Group said:
“A robust long-term plan is needed but at the moment no one is looking beyond the next 5 – 6 years.”
Sir David Henshaw agreed by adding that the fortunes of children need to be altered and that there is a serious need for more interventions early on so as to prevent the next generation of crime.
It was argued that a similar long-term focus is also required in communities to retain the next generation of home owners by addressing transport systems, the housing offer made available and the provision of good public services, so that these areas become more sustainable with mixed communities of all income levels.
Discussion about the importance of a focus on the future considered not only the need for a long-term vision from the Government and other agencies but also the responsibility that individuals need to take for their own lifestyles and their impact on society’s resources.
Sir David Henshaw summed up the feeling succinctly:
“The way we’re living our lives today will impact on the future.”
The comment was supported at an environmental level by Max Steinberg OBE who said:
“We’re living as if we have two and a half globes, not just one.”
This issue is currently way up the political agenda and those in attendance at the North West Communities Debate went away encouraged that there is a great deal being done by local agencies to ensure that action is being taken to address this and all the other issues to deliver successful and economically viable communities for the area and its residents.
Although all the organisations involved recognise there is still a long way to go, tangible improvements are continually being made and will be built upon for the benefit and secured future of the region.