Council says young people will benefit from multi-million-pound dividend from highflying airport

Councillor Richard Farnell, the leader of Rochdale Borough Council

Council Leader Richard Farnell has vowed the first call on a £4.5M dividend that has winged its way into council coffers from Manchester Airport will go towards providing services for young people. 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/111294/council-lands-airport-windfall

Under the shareholders agreement, nine of the combined authorities got the same amount, with Manchester City getting £50M for their much bigger share.

The dividends have proven vital for all the Greater Manchester local authorities, who are facing difficult financial decisions as central government funding continues to decline.

Councillor Farnell said: "In previous years, the dividend has gone straight into the general coffers. It has been really useful in helping mitigate the worst of the government austerity cuts and has helped keep vital services going.

"This year we want to do something different. While the payout will still be needed to lessen the impact of central government grant reductions, the first call on the cash will be our young people.

“I want to see a good chunk of the airport dividend used for something positive, and what could be more positive than investing in the future - our young people."

Councillor Donna Martin, Cabinet Member for Children, said: "We will be asking Rochdale's young people's parliament to come up with ideas on how youngsters themselves would like to see this cash invested.

"It could be on anything from helping students with equipment or travel costs, improved sports and youth facilities or resources to helping tackle the growing issue of mental health problems faced by many teenagers. Another idea could be working with private sponsors to build a state-of-the-art youth zone in the borough.

"These are just a few of the ideas young people have already suggested to me where the money could be spent.

"The important thing is, it will be our Youth Parliament who will have the final say on the projects. Our young parliamentarians have all been elected by school students right across the borough so who better to tell us what the priorities of young people are."