Agenda and decisions

Greater Manchester Combined Authority - Friday, 31st January, 2025 10.30 am

Venue: Council Chamber, Stockport Town Hall, Edward Street, SK1 3XE

Contact: Governance and Scrutiny  Tel: 0161 778 7009

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

Additional documents:

Decision:

That be received and noted from Cllr David Molyneux (Wigan), Tom Stannard (Manchester) & Michael Cullen (Stockport).

2.

Chairs Announcements and Urgent Business

Additional documents:

Decision:

  1. That the announcement made by the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care of Phase 1 of a new North Manchester General Hospital, and the benefits that this will bring to residents of the area be welcomed.

 

  1. That the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s in-principle support for the Old Trafford regeneration scheme, and the multiple benefits for the whole region that would arise from this be noted.

 

  1. That the update on the announcement of £630m integrated settlement monies for Greater Manchester be received and welcomed.

 

  1. That updates from the cross-Whitehall trailblazer task and finish group will be reported back to the GMCA as appropriate.

3.

Declarations of Interest pdf icon PDF 106 KB

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 48 Hours before the start of the meeting.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

There were none.

4.

GMCA Minutes - 13 December 2024 pdf icon PDF 192 KB

To consider the approval of the minute of the GMCA meeting held on 13 December 2024.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the minutes of the GMCA meeting held on 13 December 2024 be approved as a correct record.

5.

GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committee Minutes - 11 December 2024 pdf icon PDF 160 KB

To note the minutes of the GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committee held on 11 December 2024.

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the minutes of the GMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 11 December 2024 be noted.

6.

Bee Network Committee Minutes - 12 December 2024 pdf icon PDF 158 KB

To note the minutes of the Bee Network Committee held on 12 December 2024.

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the proceeding of the meeting of the Bee Network Committee held on 12 December 2024 be noted.

7.

Standards Committee Minutes - 13 December 2024 pdf icon PDF 93 KB

To approve the minutes of the Standards Committee held on 13 December 2024, including:

 

1.      To approve the amendments to the gifts and hospitality protocol, whereby each offer of hospitality could be judged on its own merits.  The Group Solicitor & Monitoring Officer would determine whether the offer of hospitality was appropriate, however, this would be reported to the GMCA Standards Committee within the annual report.

 

2.  To give delegated authority to the GMCA Monitoring Officer to update the GMCA Constitution to reflect the changes.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the proceedings of the meeting of the GMCA Standards Committee held on 13 December 2024 be approved as a correct record.

8.

GMCA Waste & Recycling Committee Minutes - 22 January 2025 pdf icon PDF 172 KB

To note the minutes of the GMCA Waste & Recycling Committee held on 22 January 2025.

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the proceedings of the meeting of the GMCA Waste & Recycling Committee held on 22 January 2025 be noted.

9.

GMCA Audit Committee - 22 January 2025 pdf icon PDF 179 KB

To note the minutes of the GMCA Audit Committee held on 22 January 2025.

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the proceedings of the meeting of the GMCA Audit Committee held on 22 January 2025 be noted.

10.

Proposed Combined Authorities (Adult Education Functions) (Amendment) Order 2025 pdf icon PDF 182 KB

Report of Gillian Duckworth, Group Solicitor and Monitoring Officer.

Additional documents:

Decision:

11.

Strengthening the Standards & Conduct Framework for Local Authorities in England - MHCLG Open Consultation pdf icon PDF 153 KB

Report of Gillian Duckworth, Group Solicitor & Monitoring Officer.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      That the submission of a consultation response on the government consultation entitled “Consultation: Strengthening the Standards and Conduct Framework for Local Authorities in England”, to MHCLG be agreed.

 

2.      That the contents of the consultation response on behalf of the GMCA be agreed.

 

3.      That any additional submissions for the GMCA led response can be sent to the Group Monitoring Officer ahead of the final submission date.

12.

Mayoral General Budget and Precept Proposals - 2025/26 pdf icon PDF 449 KB

Report of Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.  That it be noted that the Mayor proposed to increase the Mayoral General Precept by £16 to £128.95 (for a Band D property), comprising of:

i)        Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services - precept of £86.20 (£5 increase);

ii)      OtherMayoralGeneralfunctions - precept of £42.75 (£11 increase).

 

2.  That the following be noted:

i)       the overall budget proposed for the Fire and Rescue Service,

ii)      the use of the reserves to support the revenue and capital budgets, and the assessment by the Treasurer that the reserves as at March 2026 are adequate,

iii)     the proposed Fire Service capital programme and proposals for funding,

iv)     the medium-term financial position for the Fire and Rescue Service covered by the Mayoral precept

 

3.  That the detailed budget proposals for other Mayoral functions be noted.

 

4.  That the use of reserves as set out in Paragraph 3.3 of the report be noted.

 

5.  That consideration be given to the submission of any written comments to the Mayor in line with the legal process and timetable described in this report; and

 

6.  That it be noted that at its meeting on 7 February 2025 there will be an updated budget submitted, consistent with the precept proposals, to reflect final tax base and collection fund calculations and the final baseline funding settlement.

 

7.  That the concerns raised about the disappointing fire budget settlement figure and the need for further Fire & Rescue Service funding solutions appropriate to the increasing scale of demand be noted.

 

8.  That the comments raised through the GM Overview & Scrutiny Committee be received.

 

9.     That it be noted that a review group has been instigated on data sharing amongst partners following the new year’s days flooding incidents.

 

10.  That as part of the Integrated Water Management Plan, a review take place of the frequent flooding incidents along the River Mersey in the south of the region.

 

11.  That details will be circulated ahead of the launch of the Sir John Cunliffe led review of the regulation of the water industry with a stakeholder event in Manchester.

13.

Active Travel Annual Report pdf icon PDF 481 KB

Report of Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.  That the Greater Manchester Annual Active Travel Report be approved.

 

2.  That the Commissioner’s Mission Priorities as laid out in the report and in the Greater Manchester Annual Active Travel Report be endorsed.

14.

GM Clean Air Plan - January 2025 Update pdf icon PDF 360 KB

Report of Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.  That it be noted that the government confirmed it has accepted the assessment that an investment-led, non-charging Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan will achieve compliance with nitrogen dioxide levels on the local road network in the shortest possible time and by 2026 and Greater Manchester will not need to implement a charging Clean Air Zone (CAZ).

 

2.  That it be noted that the investment-led package of £86m confirmed by government consists of:

 

  • £51.1m towards bus investment, including 40 zero emission buses, 77 Euro VI standard buses and charging infrastructure;
  • £5m for local traffic management measures; 
  • £8 million to support moving Greater Manchester’s taxi fleet to cleaner vehicles;
  • Up to £21.9m for administration, delivery, monitoring and other associated costs.

 

3.  That it be noted that a new direction from the government is expected to be issued to the Greater Manchester authorities imminently which will allow TfGM to understand the detailed breakdown of the funding awarded for Development, Administration, Risk & Contingency.

 

4.  That it be noted that proposals on funding to support Greater Manchester’s taxi fleet move to cleaner vehicles, including timelines for next steps, such as fund opening, will be presented at a future meeting.

 

5.  That it be noted that TfGM and the GM Authorities are working together to assess the potential alternative use of signage, timelines for next steps will be presented at a future meeting.

 

6.  That it be noted that a public consultation on the use of the cameras for potential law enforcement activity related to the detection of crime is anticipated for the summer of 2025, subject to a review of the financial, technological and legal options available to facilitate a change of use.

 

7.  That it be noted that the GM Air Quality Administration Committee will consider a report at its meeting on 5 February 2025.

15.

Greater Manchester's Approach to Delivering our Growth Ambition pdf icon PDF 323 KB

Report of Councillor Bev Craig, Portfolio Lead for Economy, Business & Inclusive Growth.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      That the preparation of the rewritten GMS and underpinning Delivery Plan for Spring 2025 be endorsed.

 

2.      That endorsement be given to preparing Greater Manchester’s Spending Review submissions to Government, setting out our asks for Government to work alongside us in delivery of our collective ambition.

 

3.      That endorsement be given to establishing a Place Advisory Panel, involving national experts, to support the progress of development proposals from our integrated pipeline, ensuring that these support delivery of the outcomes in the GMS and push the boundaries of what has previously been possible.

 

4.      That endorsement be given to establishing partner forums in early 2025 from across the developer, construction and investor community to set out our plans and call the industry to action.

 

5.      That endorsement be given to progressing plans to strengthen our delivery capacity through the development of a GM Delivery Vehicle and GM Academy.

 

6.      That endorsement be given to developing the approach to the GM Investment Pot to maximise what can be delivered through public sector support and intervention and maximise the private capital that can be leveraged into Greater Manchester.

 

7.      That endorsement be given to establishing the appropriate programme governance to oversee and direct our overall plans for growth, ensuring accountability and transparency of our approach.

16.

Greater Manchester Fire Plan pdf icon PDF 230 KB

Report of Kate Green, Deputy Mayor, Police, Fire & Crime.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.  That the contents of the draft plan found at Appendix A be noted.

 

2.  That the consultation and the presentation slide pack found at Appendix B be shared with interested stakeholders and encouragement be given to them to share their views / feedback.

17.

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Update pdf icon PDF 298 KB

Report of Councillor Nicholas Peel, Portfolio Lead for Digital City Region.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      That encouragement be given to GM Local Authorities to sign Data Sharing Agreements with telecom providers (using the agreed LGA national template) to mitigate risks for vulnerable people, including those in receipt of private telecare services; and to review PSTN switchover readiness drawing upon the Guidance published by Government on 18th November 2025.

 

2.      That monitoring take place of incidents of frauds related to the digital switchover to inform and influence the national communications campaign launched next year and understand the scale of the problem.

 

3.      That the GMCA will maintain oversight of the risks associated with the PSTN switchover at least until January 2027 when switchover will be completed.

 

4.             That it be noted that the GMCA can offer assistance wherever it is needed to the local authorities yet to sign the Data Sharing Agreements.

18.

GM Rail Reform and Devolution - The Vision and Delivery Programme for Rail in Greater Manchester pdf icon PDF 510 KB

Report of Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      That endorsement be given to the development of a robust, evidence-based GM Rail Vision and programme for the future of rail across Greater Manchester in conjunction with GM Local Authorities.

 

2.      That endorsement be given to the ambition and tranche-based approach to the integration of the 8 priority rail corridors into the Bee Network Rail by 2028.

 

3.      That endorsement be given to the development of an Outline Business Case for Rail Reform, to assess and develop a preferred way forward for meeting the objectives set out in this paper, and identify the legislative and funding reforms, required to deliver GM’s growth agenda.

 

4.      That endorsement be given to the proactive engagement with Government in relation to the English Devolution and Rail Reform Bills, with particular regard to finalising the statutory role for the Combined Authority in the specification of services, fares and customer standards.

 

5.      That endorsement be given to the development of further work to unlock the benefits of the Old Trafford Regeneration scheme through the relocation of the freight terminal at Trafford Depot.

 

6.      That endorsement be given to the development of the Spending Review submission, working with Government, to ensure the opportunities set out in this report are prioritised and delivered.

 

7.        That it be noted that the HM Treasury has now signed off the business case for tranche 1 of rail reform.

19.

Transport Infrastructure Pipeline pdf icon PDF 324 KB

Report of Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      That the current position, recent progress and key milestones on the transport infrastructure pipeline be noted.

 

2.      That the emerging proposals for the reprioritisation of CRSTS1 funding as detailed within section 2 be noted.

 

3.      That approval be given to the allocation of CRSTS1 funding to enable a number of time-critical priorities to be advanced, subject to DfT approval, as follows:

 

·            Bee Network Rail Integration and Accessibility: up to £34m;

·            Acquisition of the existing GM Bus Shelter estate and related activity to develop a renewal programme for the estate: up to £15m;

·            Rochdale: Castleton Phase 2 Active Travel scheme: up to £12.66m; and

·            Capital & revenue switch applied to the revenue budget for Bus Franchising IS and Ticketing System Assets: up to £15.0m.

 

4.      That approval be given to the allocation of CRSTS2 funding (estimated at £80m and awaiting approval from DfT) to fund the Bee Network Rail Integration Programme.

20.

Bee Network Fares and Ticketing Products pdf icon PDF 188 KB

Report of Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      That approval be given to the introduction of a suite of Annual Multi Modal Tickets, from March 2025.

 

2.      That approval be given to the addition of these Annual Multi Modal Tickets to the TfGM scheme with local Credit Unions, from March 2025, to improve access to affordable annual products.

 

3.      That approval be given to the addition of the existing Annual Tram Tickets to the TfGM scheme with local Credit Unions, from March 2025, to improve access to affordable annual products.

21.

Metrolink 2027 pdf icon PDF 578 KB

Report of Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      That endorsement be given to the procurement of a Metrolink franchise agreement with adjusted scope from the current Metrolink Operations and Maintenance Agreement, to commence from July 2027 when the current Agreement expires.

 

2.      That the intention for TfGM to deliver a number of customer experience elements of the current Agreement from mid-2027, to increase TfGM’s control and oversight over service delivery and asset management through the new Agreement be noted.

 

3.      That the potential for a unified GM transport operation in the 2030’s be noted.

 

4.      That it be noted that, subject to GMCA feedback, procurement of the successor Franchise arrangements will commence.

 

5.        That it be noted that a further report will be brought to GMCA before the award of any contract which is anticipated in the second half of 2026.

22.

Greater Manchester Brownfield Housing Fund Reallocations pdf icon PDF 280 KB

Report of Deputy Mayor, Paul Dennett, Portfolio Lead for Housing First.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.          That authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer acting in consultation with the Portfolio Lead for housing to approve new funding and urgent variations to existing funding from BHF, 31st January 2025 to 31st March 2025 to manage the BHF pipeline.

 

2.          That authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer to switch funding sources from other funds to the Brownfield Housing Fund in advance of 31 March 2025.

 

3.          That it be noted that any recommendations that are approved under the delegation will be reported to the meeting of the GMCA in May 2025.

23.

Greater Manchester Housing Investment Loans Fund - Investment Approval Recommendation pdf icon PDF 257 KB

Report of Paul Dennett, Deputy Mayor, Portfolio Lead for Housing First.

Additional documents:

Decision:

  1. That approval be given to GM Housing Investment Loans Fund loan detailed in the table below, as detailed further in this and the accompanying Part B report; 

Borrower

Scheme

District

Loan

Apsley Street Development Ltd

Apsley Street

Stockport

£5.399m

 

  1. That authority be delegated to the GMCA Chief Executive acting in conjunction with the Portfolio Lead for Housing to approve new funding and urgent variations to existing funding from the GM Housing Investment Loans Fund in the period 8 February 2025 to 27 March 2025.

 

  1. That authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer acting in conjunction with the GMCA Monitoring Officer to prepare and effect the necessary legal agreements.

24.

Greater Manchester Investment Framework Fund pdf icon PDF 325 KB

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

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      That approval be given for a loan facility of up to £395,000 to Molygran & Co. Ltd.

 

2.      That approval be given for an investment of up to £150,000 to THEIA Guidance Systems Ltd.

 

3.      That approval be given for an update to the Neuwave Technologies Limited investment.

 

4.      That authority be delegated to the Combined Authority Treasurer in consultation with the Combined Authority Monitoring Officer to review the due diligence information in respect of the above investments, and, subject to their satisfactory review and agreement of the due diligence information and the overall detailed commercial terms of the investments, to sign off any outstanding conditions, issue final approvals and complete any necessary related documentation in respect of the investments noted above.

 

5.      That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, GMCA & TfGM and the GMCA Treasurer, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead for Investment and Resources, to approve projects for funding and agree urgent variations to the terms of funding in the period 8 February 2025 to 27 March 2025.

 

6.        That it be noted that any recommendations that are approved under the delegation will be reported to the next available meeting of the Combined Authority

25.

EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

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.

Additional documents:

Decision:

26.

Greater Manchester Housing Investment Loans Fund - Investment Approval Recommendation

 Report of Deputy Mayor, Paul Dennett, Portfolio Lead for Housing First.

Decision:

That the report be noted.

 

Clerk’s Note: This item was considered in support of the report considered in Part A of the agenda (Item 23 above refers).

27.

Greater Manchester Investment Framework

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

Decision:

That the report be noted.

 

Clerk’s Note: This item was considered in support of the report considered in Part A of the agenda (Item 24 above refers).