Agenda item

Report of GM Mayor, Andy Burnham.

Julie Connor, Assistant Director Governance & Scrutiny, GMCA introduced the item.  It was stated that the 2 year Implementation Plan was agreed in April 2018, and outlines the targets and ambitions to be achieved by the Combined Authority by 2020 with a RAG rating on progress.  It was noted that this went to all 3 GM Scrutiny Committees with each asked each to focus on the areas they cover.

Anne Morgan Head of Planning Strategy and Steve Fyfe,Head of Housing Strategy, GMCA were introduced to the Committee to cover housing and planning strategy, Steve Warrener, Finance and Corporate Services Director TfGM to cover any transport queries. MARK Atherton, Assistant Director for Environment, GMCA to attend the next meeting of this Scrutiny to cover items relating to the GM Green Agenda.

A Member commented on Priority 5 – Connectivity, specifically asking around the dashboard supporting indicators that indicate that 55.3% of short journeys under 2km are made by walking or cycling in 2015-17.  It was felt that this figure may be inaccurate as it was thought that there is a greater proportion who conduct this journey by car.

It was clarified that these numbers need to be checked with information provided on where/how they were sourced. This to then be fed back to this Scrutiny at a later date.

The question was also asked if work is underway to secure more funding for the Challenge fund with the understanding that the vast majority of the money first secured now being allocated.

It was clarified that the Made to Move strategy highlighted a figure of around £1.6 billion required to fund.  TfGM have worked with districts to bring forward proposals and schemes thorough 5 tranches. All of the schemes across the GM districts have been reviewed to check accuracy and see if other funding methods are available. This can then identify schemes for the allocated £160 million and create a substitute list of other schemes that are ready and require funding.  It was highlighted that GM is lobbying Government for funding via a few channels, such as via the Bee Network from the Walking Cycling Commissioner Chris Boardman, The Our Network vision and also likely though the Comprehensive Spending Review.  It was stated that if Members wish, TfGM can bring more detailed updates on specifics at future meetings, with regular reporting going through to leaders of the Combined Authority bi-monthly.

A Member asked for clarity on the amber rating for Housing Provision with the specific question as to what does ‘influencing infrastructure providers’ actually means.

It was clarified that infrastructure had been a focus in GM over the last 12 months with concerted activity to deal with a range of challenging issues. This lead to the establishment of the Infrastructure Board which is attended by infrastructure providers, and offers an ability to work more closely with them on their investment programmes so these are aligned with plans for growth or areas where infrastructure is under pressure.

There are also plans to produce an infrastructure strategy/action plan which could lead to a different way of providing infrastructure and doing it in a more integrated way in areas where the most change is expected. It was noted that the Infrastructure framework highlights the challenges, with the next stage being how these are to be tackled.

A Member queried what the role of housing developers is, and what influence can be put on them to financially contribute to infrastructure. 

It was stated that as part of the evidence base for the next phase of the GMSF, the GMCA are looking at strategic viability of developments. This is following planning guidance changing in 2018 to assess the plan so developers don’t need to conduct viability assessments at planning application stage. If viability is demonstrated for sites, it is more challenging for developers to ask for contributions for roads, schools, health facilities etc.   This work is to look primarily at brownfield land supply, with greenbelt land involving site specific viability work.  It is hoped that an update on this work can be provided to this Scrutiny Committee around October time.

A Member queried industrial units being converted to housing without planning permission, and whether this is an issue that occurs in GM and something that requires wider awareness.

It was clarified that this issue had been present in Manchester with pressure put on to older office stock for conversion to residential. This can result in an Article 4 Direction being put in place to take permitted development rights away meaning that Planning Permission is required to proceed.  It was noted that cases of this  aren’t currently widespread across GM, but that isolated cases are starting to emerge.  There is concern in terms of the resulting standard of accommodation that is produced when this occurs.  It was stated that there is not much that the Combined Authority can in response to it, as it’s a local planning authority responsibility.  

A Member queried EV charging infrastructure, specifically how this it is progressing following an initial delay, and how many charging points are being planned across the conurbation.

It was clarified that in terms of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, there is an existing number of electric charging points provided by the public sector, with further funding for ‘newer generation’ charging points having been bid for to add to existing stock. There is also currently a proposal of entering into contract with a preferred supplier around August to roll out an additional number of around 20-30 charging points.  

A Member raised the issue of the requirement to retrofit homes in order to meet carbon reduction targets. It was highlighted that 27% of carbon emissions come from heating homes in the GM conurbation.  The difficulty in tackling this issue was noted due to the fragmented nature of home ownership and tenants/occupiers. The opportunities provided by the required work to retrofit homes such as  employment and upskilling was also highlighted.

It was noted that Mark Atherton is to attend the next meeting of this Scrutiny Committee to cover the green agenda and present a paper on retrofitting, these questions to be taken to the next meeting.

A Member highlighted the need for more quality housing to increase council revenue in their district of Rochdale. This issue had been highlighted to the City Mayor as the lead for Housing in GM.  In terms of addressing homelessness, via homes allocation, this policy is being reviewed following council tax banding having been previously allocated incorrectly to some individuals. 

RESOLVED

1.       That the report and overall progress towards the achievement of the GMS 2020 ambitions and targets be noted,

2.       That the updated GMS Implementation Plan and Performance Dashboard be agreed.

3.       That the comments of this Committee summarised above including requests for further information be taken in to account with future reports and included in the work programme as relevant.