Homebuilders will need to construct 23,111 new properties a year in the northwest based on population growth forecasts, according to policymakers.

Businesses will be boosted by burgeoning populations in Manchester, Salford and Liverpool, a Communities and Local Government blueprint said.

And even more houses are likely to be needed after that, to the tune of 25,600 until 2026.

More transport will come on line in the shape of 34 projects over the next seven years, paid for in part by £1.34 billion from the Department for Transport.

A pot of £100 million of development funding has been made available to Greater Manchester, Central Lancashire and Blackpool, Carlisle, West Cheshire, St Helens, Warrington and Halton, and the Mersey Heartlands.

Businesses will be asked to go greener in the future as authorities get to grips with the government's recycling and waste-management plans.

Communities and Local Government sets policy on community issues, including urban planning.

It is also responsible for community relations and fire regulations.