Challenges facing a major UK city

Explain two challenges faced by major UK cities such as Manchester. [6 marks]

Mark scheme (levels-based): L2 (3–4): Describes challenges with some supporting detail. L3 (5–6): Explains challenges with Manchester-specific evidence: Health inequality (K): Manchester men have a life expectancy of 74.9 years — 7 years below the UK average; the "Manchester health gap" reflects decades of deprivation, poor housing, unemployment and higher rates of obesity, smoking and alcohol misuse in the most deprived wards (E). Housing shortage (K): Manchester's average house price £250,000+ against an average wage of ~£34,000 gives an affordability ratio of 7:1; combined with Greater Manchester having the UK's second-highest rough sleeping rate (6,500+) — demand vastly outstrips supply of affordable homes (E).