Opposition to a mayoral model for Manchester overlooks a decade of innovation and collaboration that has delivered economic and social benefits for the region, says Francesca Gains, Professor of Public Policy at the University of Manchester.

The Manchester-based Social Action & Research Foundation (SARF) brought writer, researcher and broadcaster Carl Packman together with members of the public to join in a debate on the causes and effects of the rise of payday lenders, as well as the best way to tackle the harmful social consequences.

Time is running out if we’re to avoid catastrophic climate change. But Naomi Klein says that a total overhaul of capitalism might just give us a chance. Interview by Kevin Gopal, editor of the Big Issue in the North.

The Environmental Sustainability Technical Assistance (ESTA) project closed in December 2014.