A Bradford-based housing association has offered residents a message of hope for the year ahead, as the Yorkshire city prepares to become the UK City of Culture 2025.
In a joint New Year’s message, Lee Bloomfield and Rupert Pometsey – chief executive and new chair respectively of Manningham Housing Association (MHA) – said that 2024 can be “a year of renewed hope and expectation”.
In the joint message, both men also spoke of their belief that, despite a “multitude of challenges” caused by the aftermath of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, “the scent of a better future for Bradford and Keighley hangs in the air.”
“The past 12 months have been incredibly difficult for individuals and families across Bradford district,” they said. “Food and energy bills have rocketed, placing great pressures on people’s finances.
“New research from the University of Manchester recently found that the cost-of-living crisis is having a disproportionately damaging impact on older people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
“This is something we, as a housing association with a high proportion of BAME residents, are acutely aware of and have tried to offer the best support we can.
“There can be no doubt that the people of Bradford district have been let down far too often by decision-makers in Whitehall and Westminster.
“We need many more affordable homes, better transport links, and greater access to training and employment opportunities for people of all ages. These were promised through the levelling-up agenda, but little has been delivered.
“Instead, schemes such as HS2 have been cancelled with resources directed back to London and the South East.”
Looking ahead to the prospect of a general election this year, they added: “Despite the disappointments and multitude of challenges caused by the aftermath of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, we believe the scent of a better future for Bradford and Keighley hangs in the air.
“With a general election fast approaching, 2024 can be a year of renewed hope and expectation. Politicians from all sides will be setting out their visions for a better Bradford district and, when voters make their choice, the winning candidates will be rightly held accountable for the promises they make.
“This year also sees final preparations for Bradford becoming UK City of Culture 2025, which is expected to create almost 7,000 new jobs and grow the local economy by an estimated £389 million.
“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the district and we are confident that local residents, businesses, voluntary groups and community-based organisations such as Manningham Housing Association will grab it with both hands.”
Main image: Rupert Pometsey, chair, Manningham Housing Association
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