Agenda item

Report of the GM Mayor, Andy Burnham.

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

Councillor Richard Leese, Deputy Mayor took the Chair for this item of business, given the GMCA was considering the budget proposal from the GM Mayor.

The meeting was advised that a named vote was required to approve the proposals for the Mayoral General Budget.  Members voted on the recommendations as follows:

1.         That the Mayor’s General budget for 2020/21, as set out in this report, together with the calculation of the precepts and Council Tax rates set out in Appendices 3 to 6 be approved.

2.         That the overallMayoralGeneral Preceptof£90.95(Band D) (an additional £14 on the current £76.95) comprisingof£66.20for functions previouslycoveredby theFireandRescue Authorityprecept(an additional £6.25 for 2020/21 on the current £59.95)and£24.75 (an additional £7.75 for 2020/21 on the current £17.00) forotherMayoralGeneralfunctions be approved.

3.         That it be noted that it was proposed that the Mayoral General Precept for 2020/21 was part of a multi-year strategyfor settingtheMayoral preceptbaselinewhichwould be adjustedin future yearsasfurtherMayoral functions were covered by the funding raised.

4.         That the following be approved:

i.      the overall budget proposed for the Fire and Rescue Service, noting the changes in relation to Programme for Change

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 2021 are adequate

iii.    the proposed capital programme and proposals for funding

iv.    the medium term financial position for all functions covered by the Mayoral precept

5.         That the budget for other Mayoral functions be approved, including the use of £0.5 million of Earnback grant to be used to support GMCA costs relating to bus related activity, including bus reform.

6.         That it be noted that approval to set a Statutory Charge of £86.7 million as set out in Part 4 of the Transport Order, apportioned on the basis of mid-year population as at June 2018 is requested as part of the Transport Revenue Budget report elsewhere on the agenda.

7.         That the use of reserves as set out in paragraphs 5.1 and at Appendix 2, paragraph 9.1 be approved.

8.         That it be noted that in accordance with legal requirements, the minutes will record the names of those Members voting for or against the Mayor’s budget and precept proposals.

9.         That the GM Mayor’s commitment to providing a named Police Constable and Police Constable Support Officer for every ward in Greater Manchester be noted.

10.    That it be noted that following a number of raised concerns, the GM Mayor has determined that the proposed merger of fire stations in Bolton be put on hold to allow for further consultation.

11.    That it be noted that the GM Mayor would be asking Government to match fund the contribution made towards ‘Bed Every Night’ by the GMCA.

12.    That the GMCA recorded its thanks to the people of Greater Manchester for their ongoing support to public services in recent times of austerity.

13.    That in relation to the issue of cyber-crime, it be noted that the GMCA would seek to raise the issue again with the Home Office, as despite the implementation of a range of local measures, there was a need for  increased capacity to ensure resources could meet this growing area of crime.

14.    That it be noted that the GMCA will ask the Government to reaffirm its commitment to maintain the level and increase the length of term of Local Authority budgets to allow for longer term planning, and minimise further cuts to services.