Greater Manchester Combined Authority Borrowing Reaches £1.34 Billion

Government figures show the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's borrowing reached £1.34 billion at the end of the last financial year, up from £964 million when Andy Burnham took office in 2017. GB News reported that this equates to £462 per resident and stands almost two and a half times higher than the West Midlands Combined Authority's £544 million total.

The rise stems primarily from capital investment projects, including the Bee Network integrated transport system and housing and regeneration schemes.

Accounts showed £550,000 allocated to paint 93 buses yellow under transport reforms. The Bee Network generated a net annual deficit of £227 million, with expenditure increasing since its 2023 launch, according to the Confederation of Passenger Transport.

Spending on management consultants rose from £8.7 million in 2019 to £26.9 million in 2025, more than tripling over six years, data from Tussell indicated.

The general mayoral council tax precept increased 127 percent during Burnham's tenure, including a 44 percent rise in one year. A report published on Monday suggested taxes could rise by £38 billion under a Burnham premiership. Sir James Cleverly stated the precept rose by a staggering 127 percent and warned national debt would hit new heights with more spending.

A Reform UK spokesman described the approach as high tax, high spend leadership. A Greater Manchester Combined Authority spokesman said the authority holds the largest devolution deal in England with annual spending above £3 billion and responsibilities for fire and rescue, police, and waste services.

The spokesman noted it was the first place in England to bring buses under local control after 40 years and owns the largest light rail network in the UK.