Andy Burnham has named his 'two priorities' in his soon to be announced transport budget.

The mayor said introducing a bus pass for children in temporary accommodation more than 30 minutes' walk from class and bringing in a 'carers and companions' pass should be our priority'.

"I think the case is clear. It's a case of how and when we can afford to bring it in. It's one thing in my mind," he told a overview and scrutiny meeting on Wednesday (January 28).

"We are looking at thinking about procuring temporary accommodation in Greater Manchester differently to save on those costs."

His comments came hours after Manchester council unanimously voted to formally call on the mayor to implement the temporary accommodation pass, piling pressure on the mayor after eight Greater Manchester MPs and several high-profile charities also called for the reform in recent months.

The motion was introduced by the Green Party leader Coun Astrid Johnson, who said: "A co-ordinated Greater Manchester approach will also reduce pressure on individual councils' budgets so resources can be directed strategically to alleviate children in poverty."

It was supported by the Liberal Democrats and ruling Labour group, whose deputy leader Coun Joanna Midgley added more work is ongoing to reduce homelessness and keep those who need temporary accommodation closer to home.

She said: "Being placed in temporary accommodation is one of the most traumatic things you can be involved in, this campaign has shined a light on that."

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