Pre-budget report: Low carbon city status for Manchester

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Greater Manchester has been designated the UK's first ‘low carbon economic area for the built environment’ in today’s pre-budget report.

The designation is part of a devolved package for the area, which was given city-region status in April’s budget.

The new powers are expected to prompt developments including the insulation of thousands of homes and offices, small-scale renewable energy technologies, the introduction of smart meters and a low-carbon laboratory.

The wider devolved package for the region includes new powers on adult skills and a stronger role on transport, 16-19 funding and apprenticeships.

The city will receive £1m investment to be used to establish a new centre for excellence for the UK video games industry at MediaCity UK.

Manchester’s designation in the pre budget report today follows last month’s announcement of LCEA status for Greater Leeds.

Manchester is the fourth city overall to be declared a low carbon economic area (LCEA).