Agenda and decisions

That the apologies be received and noted from Steve Rumbelow (Rochdale) and Geoff Little (Bury).

1. That the GMCA record its thanks to all those who participated, especially Cllr David Greenhalgh, as the Portfolio Lead for Culture and Rose Marley, in the Together in One Voice event o 28 May, celebrating how communities have pulled together through these unprecedented times.

2. That recognition be given to Councillor David Greenhalgh and the cultural team, in partnership with business, the Arts and charities for ensuring young people who don’t have on-line access to benefit from activities through the delivery of over 22,000 cultural packs.

3. That the GMCA record its thanks to all GM Local Authority Leaders and Staff, public bodies of GM, Community & Voluntary Organisations who continue to work together to support people in response to the Covid-19 crisis, with special thanks to front line services supporting those most vulnerable.

4. That the current position on Covid-19 related response be noted and that it also be noted that hospital admissions for non-covid related issues have begun to increase, with the public encouraged to present to their doctor if they experience any health issues and Covid-19 symptoms to ensure they are assessed appropriately.

5. That it be noted that the GM ‘Test and Trace’ scheme will work in conjunction a national system and that the local element of the scheme was crucial to ensure all communities could be reached.

6. That it be noted that work was underway to ascertain the level of resources, both financial and personnel to support Mass Testing and Contact Tracing to inform the ‘Ask’ of Government.

7. That it be noted that the Government has responded to GM’s request for a further financial package, providing support up to August 2020, to support Metrolink services which has enabled the frequency to be increased to a 12 minute service.

8. That it also be noted that discussions will continue with Government regarding longer term public transport funding, with an update on progress to be reported to the GMCA.

9. That it be noted that GM has some concerns regarding the Government’s Registration Prospectus for the Building Safety Fund announced on 11 March to address building cladding safety, specifically in relation to the size, scope, ‘first come first served’ approach, restricted eligibility in terms building height and individuals who have already commissioned works, timetable and the tight application window from 1 June to 31 July 2020.

10. That City Mayor Paul Dennett, Portfolio Lead for Housing, Homelessness and Infrastructure and Chair of the High Rise Task Force to respond to the Secretary of State regarding the Prospectus for the Building Safety Fund on behalf of the GMCA.

11. That it be agreed that the report circulated on GM Bounce Back Loans Scheme be considered as an item of Urgent Business.

To receive declarations of interest in any item for discussion at the meeting. A blank form for declaring interests has been circulated with the agenda; please ensure that this is returned to the Governance & Scrutiny Officer at the start of the meeting.

That Councillor Richard Leese and City Mayor Paul Dennett declared a personal interest as Directors of the Growth Company in relation to item 16a (GM Bounce Back Loans).

1.       To note the appointment of Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, by Bury Council as a member of the GMCA.

2.       To note the appointment of Councillor Nigel Murphy by Manchester City Council, as a Substitute member of the GMCA.

1. That the appointment of Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the newly appointed Leader of Bury Council to the GMCA be welcomed.

2. That the GMCA record its thanks to Councillor David Jones for his work on behalf of  the GMCA, and as the Portfolio Lead for Children and Young People.

3. That the appointment of Councillor Nigel Murphy, as Manchester City Council’s substitute member, to the GMCA be noted.

4. That the GMCA record formerly acknowledge and recognise the work on reform and A Bed Every Night that Councillor Sue Murphy undertook to benefit residents from across GM.

Report of Liz Treacy, GMCA Monitoring Officer.

1.          That it be noted that the appointment of Portfolio Leads, Assistants and Lead Chief Executives by the GM Mayor and GMCA Head of Paid Service, will continue for 2020/21, with a review to be undertaken in May 2021.

2.          That the GMCA record its thanks to Lord Peter Smith, Wigan MBC, for leading the work on the health portfolio and steering health devolution in GM.

3.         That the re-constitution of the GMCA Audit Committee and the reappointment of Councillors Colin McLaren (Oldham) (Lab), Sarah Russell (Manchester) (Lab), Chris Boyes (Trafford) (Con) and Mary Whitby (Bury) (Lab ) and substitute members were James Grundy (Wigan) (Lab) and Peter Malcom (Rochdale) (Lab) to the GMCA Audit Committee be approved for the period up to 31 May 2021.

4.          That it be noted that the Audit Committee has 4 Independent members; Gwyn Griffiths and Catherine Scivier, appointed in June 2017 for a term of office of three years, to be reviewed later this year and reported to the GMCA; and Grenville Page and Susan Webster appointed in January 2020 for a term of office of three years.

5.          That it be agreed to re-constitute and appoint to the three Overview & Scrutiny Committees as detailed below for the period up to 31 May 2021:

6.          That the appointment of up to 16 members to the GMCA scrutiny substitute’s pool, as detailed below for the period up to 31 May 2021 be agreed:

To consider the approval of the minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2020.

That the minutes of the GMCA meeting held 14 February 2020 be approved.

To note the minutes of the meetings of the GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committees held during February 2020:

Corporate Issues & Reform – 11 February 2020

Planning, Housing & Environment – 13 February2020

That the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings (Corporate Issues & Reform – 11 February 2020 and Planning, Housing & Environment – 13 February 2020) be noted.

Report of Liz Treacy, GMCA Monitoring Officer.

That the decisions taken under delegated powers during the period March – May 2020 be noted.

Report of GM Mayor, Andy Burnham.

That the work to date in developing GM’s recovery response, and approach to be adopted going forward be endorsed, noting that the response and approach will continue to evolve.

Report of Councillor Andrew Western, Portfolio Lead for Green City Region.

1.             That the progress of the GM Clean Air Plan be noted.

2.       That the progress in the development of the Clean Commercial Vehicle and Hardship funds be noted.

3.       That the initial funding award of £41m for clean vehicle funds to award grants or loans to eligible businesses be noted.

4.       That it be noted that the Government has accepted the need for vehicle replacement funds for Hackney Carriages, and Light Goods Vehicles, and has requested further development of shared evidence on the needs within that complex sector before responding and does not support the sustainable journeys measure.

5.       That it be noted that TfGM was seeking confirmation that the funding award for Bus Retrofit was a continuation of Clean Bus Technology Funds to be distributed as soon as possible as per previous arrangements.

6.       That it be noted that the Government would not support electric vehicle charging infrastructure through Clean Air monies, however the Government has committed to work with GM on securing funding from OLEV.

7.       That the GM Local Authorities be commended to move to a statutory public consultation on the GM Clean Air Plan as soon as reasonably practicable.

8.       That the GM Local Authorities’ decision to commence a public consultation should be taken once there is a clear timeframe for exiting lockdown and moving to the next phase of the COVID-19 response.

9.      That it be noted that the implementation of a GM CAZ will be delayed to 2022 with a revised implementation date to be confirmed in the consultation commencement report.

10.   That the Department for Transport’s positioning paper “Decarbonising Transport – Setting the Challenge” be noted.

11.     That the assessment of the possible impacts of COVID-19 to inform a technical briefing note for decision makers be noted.

12.     That the GM Local Authorities intention to consult on GM’s proposed Minimum Licencing Standards, alongside the Clean Air Plan consultation be noted and that the GM Local Authorities be commended to agree the proposed position for consultation, on when taxi/PHV fleets should be Zero Emission Capable as contained in paragraph 11.12.

13.   That it be agreed that the inclusion of the Strategic Road Network was imperative to successfully addressing the clean air agenda.

14.     That it be noted that discussions have continued with the Department for Transport including Transpennine goods and heavy goods vehicles and the inclusion of the Mottram By-Pass, which will be delivered in the current investment period, with a commitment that it will be included in the Clean Air Zone.

15.     That that it be noted that discussions with Government regarding funding with a view to ensure the costs will not be borne by Local Authorities, businesses and taxi/private hire companies.

Report of GM Mayor, Andy Burnham.

1.         That the proposal to move to commence the formal procurement of a GM Bike Hire scheme, in accordance with the proposed delivery strategy set out in the report, be endorsed.

2.              That it be noted that Tameside would be willing to participate as a pilot area for phase 2 of a GM Bike Hire Scheme.

3.              That the increased number of individuals walking and the need to move safely around the conurbation be recognised.

4.              That it be noted that work was underway with the Cycling & walking Commissioner to explore opportunities to widen the availability of bikes to all the residents of GM.

5.              That it be noted that discussions continue with Ministers around the increased use of cars and management and traffic management enforcement powers to create a safe space for everybody.

6.              That it be noted that electric bikes were included in the scheme.

Report of GM Mayor, Andy Burnham.

1.             That the revised approach being adopted by TfGM to develop GM’s Statement of Intent to Department for Transport for £1,589,849 for supported bus services, in the light of the wider implications on the bus network, and commercial bus operators, of the on-going coronavirus situation be noted.

2.             That it be agreed that the submission of the proposed bus routes to be included in the Statement of Intent be circulated to Leaders in advance of submission to the Department for Transport.

3.             That it be agreed that the final approach and submission of the Statement of Intent to Department for Transport by 26 June 2020, be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, GMCA and TfGM, in consultation with the Mayor, Portfolio Lead for Finance and Chair of the Greater Manchester Transport Committee (GMTC).

4.      That the work which is being undertaken to determine whether there were feasible proposals for the other funding opportunity for which GMCA was eligible be noted and that it be agreed that the approval for the final approach and submission of any expression of interest by 4 June 2020, be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, GMCA and TfGM, in consultation with the Mayor, Portfolio Lead for Finance and Chair of the Greater Manchester Transport Committee (GMTC).

5.     That it be noted that a report on the progress of work on Bus Reform would be submitted to the GMCA as soon as possible.

Report of GM Mayor, Andy Burnham.

1.           That the approach to Phase 3 of A Bed Every Night to provide a Covid-safe environment for people who were rough sleeping or are at imminent risk of rough sleeping be noted.

2.           That the approach to Phase 3 of A Bed Every Night to be provided through both grant and welfare reclaim funding to ensure viability for self-contained/non-shared accommodation model be noted.

3.           That it be agreed that the expenditure allocations of £4,750,000, with any further minor amendments to Local Authority grant payments, be delegated to the Treasurer in consultation with the GM Mayor and Portfolio Lead for Housing, Homelessness and Infrastructure.

4.           That it be noted that the GMCA will underwrite from Mayoral reserves any shortfall arising from Greater Manchester Mayors Charity fundraising to support 60 ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ beds between October 2020 – March 2021.

5.           That it be agreed that a guarantee for long term funding be sought from Government to enable GM to continue its support to homeless people.

Report of Councillor Sean Fielding, Portfolio Lead for Digital, Education, Skills, Work & Apprenticeships.

1.             That the proposed approach for the management and administration of devolved Adult Education Budget (AEB) for the 2020/2021 academic year be approved.

2.             That the proposed provider allocations for the 2020/2021 academic year be approved.

3.             That it be noted that the GMCA has already approved a 2 year stable approach for Grant funded providers to bed in GMCA approaches to AEB and that it be agreed that the GMCA extend this to Independent Training Providers ensuring performance management in year where appropriate.

3.        That it be agreed to delegate authority to GMCA Treasurer in consultation with the Leader & Chief Executive Portfolio Leads for Skills, Work & Digital to agree in year changes to:

·           Make decisions relating to distribution of funding for continuing learners.  Current indicative allocations indicated in Appendix 2.

·           Make decisions relating to procurement of any new AEB activity which relates and responds to local needs, to the skills gaps outlined in the GM LIS and specific needs identified by GM priority groups i.e. care leavers, over 50’s, offenders etc.

·            Make in-year provider exception funding decisions.

·           Make decisions on provider re-allocations mid-year and at the end-of-year reconciliation.

4.       That it be noted that the Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime would raise the issue of ensuring effective links between the Probation Service and Adult Education Programme with their new director, Chris Edwards

Report of Councillor Elise Wilson, Portfolio Lead for Economy & Business.

1.                That the latest update of the Greater Manchester Economic Resilience Dashboard be noted.

2.                That it be agreed that the Economic Resilience Dashboard be a standing item on future agendas of the GMCA.

Report of Councillor David Molyneux, Portfolio Lead for Resources & Investment and Steve Wilson, GMCA Treasurer.

1.      That the estimated financial impacts of COVID 19 on GMCA and TFGM budgets be noted.

2.      That the utilisation of £1 million of transport reserves held by GMCA and TfGM to fund the shortfall in Metrolink net revenues in the period to 31 March 2020 be approved.

3.      That it be agreed that authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer, in conjunction with the TfGM Finance and Corporate Services Director to make the necessary ‘Capital / Revenue switch’ to enable the funding of GMIP development costs of up to £7m from the Transforming Cities 2 fund.

4.      That the proposed approach to finance in the recovery phase of the COVID 19 response be noted.

5.      That it be agreed that a Special meeting of the GMCA be held on Wednesday 24 June to specifically discuss the financial challenge for Local Authorities and the GMCA.

6.      That it be noted that Councillor David Greenhalgh would support the GMCA in lobbying for funding to support the shortfall in Local Authority budgets, however, there was also a need for GM to prioritise its ‘Asks’ of Government recognising the current economic pressures that they were also facing.

Report of Stve Wilson, GMCA Treasurer.

Councillor Richard Leese and City Mayor Paul Dennett declared a personal interest as Directors of the Growth Company and left the meeting for discussion of this item..

1.            That the establishment of a Greater Manchester Bounce Back Loan Scheme under the Government scheme be approved in principle.

2.            That the amendment to the GMCA capital programme to fund £10m of capital for the scheme, subject to appropriate funding arrangements, be approved.

3.            Thar the delivery of the scheme via the Growth Company Business Finance Team be approved.

4.            That it be agreed to delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer, GMCA & TfGM and the GMCA Treasurer to authorise a contract to be awarded directly to the Growth Company by way of exemption from GMCA constitution Contract Procurement Rules (Part 6 section B) on the basis of urgency (Rule 3.2ii).

5.              That it be agreed to delegate to the GMCA Treasurer and GMCA Monitoring Officer to the finalising of arrangements for the scheme.

6.             That it be noted that the report was exempt from call in ensure the loan scheme can be introduced urgently to benefit Greater Manchester businesses as they recover from the Coronovirus crisis.

Report of Councillor David Molyneux, Portfolio Lead for Resources & Investment.

That the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy be approved, with effect from the 1 April 2020 be approved, in particular:

•          The Treasury Management Scheme of Delegation at Appendix A.

•          The Treasury Management Policy Statement at Appendix C.

•          The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Strategy at Appendix E.

•          The Treasury and Prudential Indicators listed in Section 6.

•          The Borrowing Strategy outlined in Section 8.

•          The Annual Investment Strategy detailed in Sections 9.

•         Delegation to the Treasurer to step outside of the investment limits to safeguard the GMCA’s position, as outlined in paragraph 8.16

Report of Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, Portfolio Lead for Housing, Homelessness and Infrastructure.

1.             That the strategy to maintain and increase the investment capacity of the GM Housing Investment Loans Fund through the use of other funding available to GMCA be approved.

2.      That it be agreed to delegate authority to the GMCA Treasurer to identify and implement appropriate funding solutions in line with the strategy.

Report of Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, Portfolio Lead for Housing, Homelessness and Infrastructure.

1.                  That the GM Housing Investment Loans Fund loans detailed in the table below be approved:

2.                  That the GM Housing Investment Loans Fund equity investments detailed in the table below be approved;

3.                  That it be agreed to delegate authority to the GMCA Treasurer acting in consultation with the GMCA Monitoring Officer to prepare and effect the necessary legal agreements.

4.                  That the following loans which were approved in April 2020 under emergency powers be noted.

That, under section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public should be excluded from the meeting for the following items on business on the grounds that this involved the likely disclosure of exempt information, as set out in the relevant paragraphs of Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

That, under section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public should be excluded from the meeting for the following items on business on the grounds that this involved the likely disclosure of exempt information, as set out in the relevant paragraphs of Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

Report of Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, Portfolio Lead for Housing, Homelessness and Infrastructure.

That the report be noted.