Manchester City Council is the local authority for the city of Manchester — delivering essential services, shaping the city's future and working in partnership with communities to make Manchester a great place to live, work and visit.
Manchester City Council is a metropolitan borough council and the principal local authority for the city of Manchester in Greater Manchester, England.
The Council provides the majority of local government services in Manchester — from collecting bins and managing roads to supporting vulnerable residents, funding schools and planning the city's future growth. We have been a member of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority since 2011.
Our headquarters is Manchester Town Hall on Albert Square, a Grade I listed Victorian Gothic building completed in 1877 — one of the finest examples of civic architecture in England. Currently undergoing a major refurbishment programme, we operate from the adjoining Town Hall Extension.
Manchester has had an elected local authority since 1838, when the town was incorporated as a municipal borough. The city was granted city status in 1853 — only the second such grant since the Reformation.
From a market town to one of Europe's most dynamic cities — a journey spanning nearly two centuries of civic governance.
Manchester was incorporated as a municipal borough under the Municipal Corporations Act 1835, establishing its first elected town council.
Manchester was granted city status — only the second such grant since the Reformation. A coat of arms was granted to the Manchester Corporation in 1842.
The iconic Manchester Town Hall on Albert Square was completed, designed by Alfred Waterhouse in the Gothic Revival style. In 1893, the leader was elevated to Lord Mayor.
Following local government reorganisation, Manchester City Council became a metropolitan borough council and part of the newly created Greater Manchester Metropolitan County.
Manchester hosted the XVII Commonwealth Games, welcoming athletes from 72 nations — a landmark that accelerated the city's regeneration and international profile.
Manchester City Council became a founding member of the GMCA, enabling strategic devolution of powers over transport, housing, planning and economic development.
Following consultation with over 10,000 residents, the Council launched its new ten-year strategy, setting ambitious goals across housing, health, climate and economy.
Everything we do is guided by a clear set of principles, developed with the communities we serve.
Through our Making Manchester Fairer plan, we tackle health inequalities and cost-of-living pressures — supporting 100,000+ households with free services, advice and direct support.
We are committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2038 while delivering 36,000 new homes — including at least 10,000 affordable — by 2032.
With 43% of residents identifying from a minority ethnic background, we celebrate Manchester's diversity and invest in every neighbourhood.
The majority of Manchester schools are rated Good or Outstanding. We are a UN City of Lifelong Learning and a UNICEF Child Friendly City.
Manchester is ranked second among UK cities by the GaWC Research Network, with 426,000 in employment. We champion the Real Living Wage and attract major investment.
Home to Aviva Studios, Co-op Live and the Whitworth, Manchester is the third most visited UK destination by international visitors. We invest proudly in its cultural future.
Developed with over 10,000 residents, the Our Manchester Strategy sets our priorities for the next decade. It is a shared vision — not just for the Council, but for everyone who lives, works and invests in this city.
Between 2015 and 2024, Manchester's population grew by an estimated 92,000 people. We've overcome enormous challenges — from the Arena attack of 2017 to COVID-19 — and emerged stronger and more ambitious than ever.
Read the Strategy36,000 new homes by 2032 — including 10,000 affordable, the most council housing in 15 years
Tackling health inequalities through Making Manchester Fairer — delivering 1 million meals in 2024
Net zero for the city by 2038 with investment in green infrastructure and active travel
Supporting 426,000 jobs — a Real Living Wage city investing in education and apprenticeships
Manchester City Council is led by 96 elected councillors representing 32 wards, with a Cabinet responsible for key strategic decisions.
Providing political leadership and strategic direction for the city, working with the Cabinet to deliver the Our Manchester Strategy.
Manchester's Chief Executive since early 2025, leading the Council's 7,000-strong workforce delivering services for 627,700 residents.
Elected across 32 wards, with one third of seats up for election each year. The Council has been under Labour majority since 1971.
Manchester is divided into 32 local areas called wards. Each ward is represented by three councillors elected to serve four-year terms, with elections on a rolling cycle.
Wards range from the dense urban communities of Hulme and Ancoats to the leafy suburbs of Didsbury and Chorlton — each with its own character and local priorities.
The economic and cultural heart — home to universities, major employers and world-class venues.
Vibrant residential suburbs known for independent businesses and extensive green spaces.
Areas of significant regeneration investment with strong community identity and rich heritage.
One of Europe's largest planned housing estates, receiving major investment under the district programme.
Home to the University of Manchester campus and a large student and young professional community.
Diverse communities in east Manchester benefiting from targeted regeneration and transport investment.
Whether you need to report an issue, access a service or find out more about how the Council works — we're here to help.