Here in Greater Manchester we’ve got big ambitions. We want to be a global city region with the size, the assets, the skilled population and the political and economic clout that goes with such a status. We want to be the driving force behind a new Northern Powerhouse that stretches along the corridor of the M62 and beyond.

All ten local authorities in Greater Manchester are united in this goal and committed to realising it. Together we’ve taken a long, hard look at the barriers preventing us from getting where we want to be and come up with a Growth and Reform Plan aimed at moving forward. It covers everything from transport to education and business to public service reform.

Health is one of the most important aspects of the plan. If we want to grow, to make Greater Manchester one of the best places to live and work in Britain, we’ve got to tackle health inequalities and improve outcomes for our residents. And addressing alcohol abuse has been identified as a top health priority.