Decision details

Manchester city centre has 1,000 of the 6,000 licensed premises across the city region and therefore the City of Manchester continues to present the highest demand and vulnerability when it comes to the night-time economy. Many residents from across the city region visit the city centre (around 40% are from other parts of Greater Manchester) proving that investment in these schemes benefits all across the city region.

Within the city region the ‘Village’ area continues to be amongst the highest for policing demand and has high levels of vulnerable people who need help on a night out.

Up until 2022/23, the GMCA has contributed via grant funding to the LGBT Foundation for the provision of The Village Safe Haven (‘the Haven’) and the Village Angels scheme operate in the Canal Street ‘Village’ area of Manchester. The Scheme aims to support vulnerable individuals, prevent harm, increase general welfare, and reduce demand on the emergency services during the night time economy.

The primary public service beneficiaries are GMP, Manchester City Council and North West Ambulance Service. Further to this, cost benefits are seen by health and criminal justice services. Licensed premises also benefit.

The newly commissioned service is expected to build on this foundation and further improve partnership working the GMCA, Manchester City Council, Emergency Services and licenced premises in the ‘Village’ area to make it as safe as possible location for people to enjoy.

The GMCA will commission a Night Time Economy Welfare Scheme for the Gay Village ‘Village’ area of Manchester.

The contract will be awarded on a 2 year (2023/24-2024/25) + 1 year (2025/26) + 1 year (2026/27) basis.

The cost of the contract will be £135,000 per annum, total value £540,000