Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by the council’s decision making bodies.
Alternatively you can visit the Officer and Mayoral decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.
GMWSA is a registered charity whose vision is
to see an approach to women facing multiple unmet needs which
emphasises early intervention and prevention, diverting women away
from statutory intervention.
The GMWSA was awarded the contract to deliver the Women’s
Support Service as part of the GMIRS commissioning process. As part
of the mobilisation and to support the service meeting prescribed
vetting and cyber security standards required by HMPPS, it was
agreed that the cost of Cyber essential, IASME and BPSS would be
borne through GMCA.
In a Decision Notice dated 27th May 2022 (see attached) the Deputy
Mayor agreed to the spending plan of £1,071,267.97 from the
grant received from HMPPS of £1,400,000. The remaining funds
will be allocated via a separate decision notice. This Decision
Notice is to account for an additional £20,792 of the
unallocated funds to cover the following vetting and IT security
costs:
Item Description Cost
BPSS - Staff vetting £3,672
IASME essential - Minimum cyber essentials required for all
providers
£11,760
IASME enhanced - Enhanced standard for main data holders
£5,360
Total £20,792
The award of this funding will enable the GMWSA to meet the
required HMPPS standards regarding cyber security and vetting while
not having to divert any additional resources away from front line
key worker support.
Decision Maker: Director for Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire
Decision published: 12/05/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
As part of mobilisation GMCA have agreed to
reimburse the Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance
(GMWSA) the cost of the IASME, BPSS Vetting and Cyber essentials to
the amount of £20,792
Lead officer: Lisa Lees
The APCC offers the following services to
members:
• Provides Information on national policing policy issues and
legislation.
• Consults PCCs to enable them to develop policy positions and
to influence change.
• Facilitates the leadership of PCCs on national governance
structures such as the College of Policing, National Crime Agency,
other police professional bodies, and fire and rescue bodies.
• Provides a range of opportunities for members to come
together to debate and discuss national policing and criminal
justice policy and engage with senior stakeholders.
• Assists PCCs to share practice and identify ways to achieve
efficiencies through collaboration.
• Support PCCs seeking to take on and fulfil fire and rescue
governance responsibilities.
Decision Maker: Director for Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire
Decision published: 12/05/2023
Effective from: 23/03/2023
Decision:
The annual subscription of £38,550 is
due on 1st April 2023 will be paid to the APCC.
APCC
A payment of £38,550 to remain subscripted to the APCC.
Lead officer: Lisa Lees
The reasons for the decision are:
In 2021/22 – GM VRU and Merseyside VRP worked in partnership
with StreetDoctors to develop an app-based version of the
StreetDoctors lifesaver programme. (Usually delivered face to face
in schools but with cost / resource and logistical implications).
The app has been tested with learners and teachers in various
educational settings and is now ready for roll out. Access per
pupil to the app-based modules (a log in) will be £15
(charged by StreetDoctors), and it was always agreed that
StreetDoctors would hold the rights and eventually license the
product.
As both GM and Merseyside helped to develop this product, we have
been given access per pupil of £5, and also 400 free access
per area.
Our Navigators have been helping to facilitate the testing of the
product (utilising 1 log in for group session), and there is a keen
interest from schools / colleges / Princes Trust to deliver this
app-based training.
Antony Edkins has agreed to support the roll out with £20,000
from the 2022/23 budget, to further engage educational
establishments in the awareness and prevention of violence. This
will provide us with a total of 4400 log ins, with no expiry.
We ae now considering how mental health first aid might be
developed and delivered in a similar way.
Decision Maker: Director for Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire
Decision published: 12/05/2023
Effective from: 23/03/2023
Decision:
A 2022/23 budget allocation of £20,000 -
VRU (Education) budget to fund the StreetDoctors app based
learning.
Lead officer: Lisa Lees
The proposals set out in the GMCA report of
January 2023 regarding UKSPF investment in SME Workspace should
progress to grant funding agreement without delay, accepting that
although the outputs and outcomes are lower than set out in the
GMCA report, they do still represent value for money and exceed the
volumes set out in the GM UKSPF Investment Plan.
Decision Maker: Chief Executive Officer GMCA & TfGM
Decision published: 10/05/2023
Effective from: 18/05/2023
Decision:
To agree progression to grant funding
agreement of LA proposals for SME Workspace funding by
UKSPF.
Lead officer: Nicola Ward
1. Travel for VRU Programme Manager, VRU
Programme Support & VRU Civil Service Placement Colleague - The
Home Office’s Violence Reduction programme is a 3 year
funding agreement with VRU’s from March 2022-25. This
national VRU conference hosted by London VRU will examine
community-led aspects of VRU programme delivery and share
challenges faced by VRU’s in delivering community-led
interventions and explore community-led co-creation of VRU Comms
content. This is intended to share best practice across the 20
national VRUs. This event was originally scheduled for 31st March
but was recently rebooked, so train tickets could not be purchased
more than 2 weeks prior.
2. Travel for VRU Victims Lead & VRU Comms Manager - In 2021/22
– GM VRU and Merseyside VRU worked in partnership with
StreetDoctors to develop an app-based version of the StreetDoctors
lifesaver programme. (Usually delivered face to face in schools but
with cost
/resource and logistical implications). The app has been rolled out
across GM, whilst we have awarded additional funding in financial
year 22/23 to gain an additional 4400 logins for educational
settings across GM. This national conference will help to shape
& direct best use of the additional logins and delivery of the
Streetdoctors programme in schools and further education
establishments across GM.
3. Travel for VRU Victims Champion - The Serious Violence Duty 2022
came into effect in January 2023, placing statutory
responsibilities on specified authorities within each PCC area to
work together to tackle the root causes of serious violence. This
event is intended as a launch to bring together lead officers from
VRU’s and specified authorities across the country to
dpresent and discuss best practice regarding implementation of the
duty. The GM VRU is coordinating the 10 GM CSPs’
implementation of the Seirous Violence Duty as per the Deputy
Mayor’s agreement at the February 2023 Violence Reduction
Governance Board, and therefore the VRU Victim’s Champion
(accompanying the VRU Director & Programme Manager as published
in another recent travel Decision Notice) is best placed to attend
the event and report on outcomes to the 10 GM CSPs. This Decision
Notice covers funding for travel to the event; tickets to the event
are free of charge
Decision Maker: Director for Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire
Decision published: 04/05/2023
Effective from: 23/03/2023
Decision:
1. The Greater Manchester Violence Reduction
Unit are seeking to make the following payment for Travel to a
rescheduled National VRU Event hosted by London VRU:
Click Travel
A payment to be made of £806.65 to book:
• x2 On Peak standard class return train tickets from
Manchester to London for the VRU Programme Manager and VRU Civil
Service Placement Colleague
• x1 On Peak standard class return ticket from Wigan to London
for the VRU Programme Manager and VRU Programme Support.
These are standard fare peak day return tickets.
2. The Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit are seeking to
make the following payment covering Travel & Accommodation for
a national event hosted by Streetdoctors, a programme that the VRU
has funded to commission interventions in Greater Manchester:
Click Travel
A payment to be made of £392.78 to cover:
• Return train tickets from Manchester to London for both
colleagues (VRU Victim’s Lead & VRU Communications
Manager)
• 1 night’s hotel accommodation in London (1 room each
for both colleagues).
• Zone 1 Tube passes- each per colleague per day (2 days
total)
Travel tickets are standard fare, off peak return tickets whilst
rooms are standard rate in chain hotels.
3. The Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit are seeking to
make the following payment for Travel to a Serious Violence Duty
Policing Conference:
Click Travel
A payment to be made of £116.49 to book return train tickets
from Manchester to Birmingham and 1 night’s hotel
accommodation in Birmingham for the VRU Victims’ Champion.
These are standard fare day return tickets.
Lead officer: Lisa Lees
We have specifically commissioned these
sessions via 1Message by way of delivering an intervention to young
people who attend this youth club (Mero’s World), following
an incident recently where a young person pulled out a flick knife
and threatened another young person during one of the youth club
sessions. The youth club is run by one of the VRU’s community
alliance partners funded by the VRU’s Community Led Pilots
initiative, and Mero’s World approached the VRU to ask what
intervention we might be able to immediately deliver in light of
this incident to young people who attend the youth club, both as a
group, and a 1:1 basis when required. As a result, the VRU have
identified that sessions provided by 1Message would be the most
appropriate intervention, as the individual who set up 1Message and
runs their sessions is an individual with lived experience of
serious violence. 1Message will talk to young people at
Mero’s World about knife crime, exploitation, youth violence,
and other relevant topics.
This commissioned intervention will be evaluated within the wider
Community Led Pilots evaluation being undertaken by the VRU’s
research partner, MMU.
Decision Maker: Director for Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire
Decision published: 04/05/2023
Effective from: 23/03/2023
Decision:
To award 1Message £4,000 for 12 weeks of
provision for Mero’s World youth club in Fallowfield. This
will include group sessions and 1:1 mentoring provided by Matthew
Norford from 1Message.
To date, the VRU have awarded 1Message £3,200 in financial
year 2022-23. The total awarded by the VRU to Media and Digital
following this decision will be £7,200
Lead officer: Lisa Lees
The reasons for the decision are:
In 2005 police forces in England and Wales agreed, through a
Service Level Agreement, to each provide an annual payment for the
operation of the national Crimestoppers call centre facility. This
consists of a dedicated telephone line and online reporting
facility, operating 24 hours a day. This agreement is now managed
through an annual contract managed directly by Greater Manchester
Police. The payment of £104,500 will be provided to Greater
Manchester Police, to make payment directly as the Contracting
Authority for the contract.
About the service
After receiving a call or a completed anonymous online form from a
member of the public, a report is created that brings together all
the information, ensuring that it doesn't contain any information
that could identify the individual. The report is then sent to the
relevant authority with the legal responsibility to investigate
crimes, make arrests and charge people in order to bring them to
justice. This could be the local police force or an agency such as
the UK Border Agency or HM Revenue & Customs.
Crimestoppers also share advice on how the public can protect
themselves from crime and develop local communication and awareness
campaigns.
Discussions have been held with the Superintendent within the Force
Intelligence Branch to confirm that the Crimestoppers service
remains an important source of information for GMP. It provides an
additional channel of communication for members of the public to
report crime, raise concerns regarding safety or provide
intelligence, independent of the police. The anonymity provided
will appeal to those who do not wish to contact the police directly
but do want to provide information. The service provides the police
with intelligence it may otherwise have not received in the fight
against crime.
A recent report provided by Crimestoppers indicates the following
outcomes in Greater Manchester:
• Over the last three years community intelligence given to
Crimstoppers in the North West has risen from 29,063 reports per
year between 2018-2019 to 33,101 in 2021/2022. (12,750 reports,
increased from 11,041 in Greater Manchester).
• The Crimestoppers website has been viewed over 200,000 times
by GM residents in the last 12 months (up from 162,000 the previous
year.
Comments have been sought from Greater Manchester Police who value
to work of the crimestoppers service and see it as critical in
enabling people to report crime and build intelligence.
Decision Maker: Treasurer GMCA
Decision published: 04/05/2023
Effective from: 21/03/2023
Decision:
To provide funding of £104,500 in
2023/24 to allow the continuation of the Crimestoppers 24 hour call
centre and online reporting facility for the public to anonymously
provide information and intelligence for policing purposes.
In addition, to agree in principle, to the same level of funding in
2024/25 and 2025/26 (totalling £313,500 over the three
years), subject to funding availability and annual performance
reviews.
Lead officer: Lisa Lees
The reasons for the decision are:
Previously, Crimestoppers have been able to fund the Regional
Manager post through contributions raised through the charity,
however as contributions have decreased, PCCs in the North West
Region have been approached directly to joint fund the post if they
wish to see it continue, as other PCCs do in other regions
nationally. North West PCCs jointly funded the post between
2020/23. This funding secures continued funding for the post over
the next three years.
The funding is fundamental to continuing the position of the
Regional Manager (RM) and implementing the crime reduction
strategy. The positive results include:
• Over the last three years community intelligence given to
Crimstoppers in the North West has risen from 29,063 reports per
year between 2018-2019 to 33,101 in 2021/2022. (12,750 reports,
increased from 11,041 in Greater Manchester).
• The Crimestoppers website has been viewed over 200,000 times
by GM residents in the last 12 months (up from 162,000 the previous
year.
• The RM manages over a number of TV and radio campaigns each
year across the region (with a value of around £228,605
– at no cost to police forces or PCCs).
Comments have been sought from Greater Manchester Police who value
to work of the post and have plans to develop future work with
assistance of the post should funding be approved.
Decision Maker: Treasurer GMCA
Decision published: 04/05/2023
Effective from: 21/03/2023
Decision:
To provide a total of £42,000 (ex VAT)
over the next three years to fund the North West Crimestoppers
Regional Manager post. The post will be joint funded by North West
Police and Crime Commissioners. The Greater Manchester contribution
will be as follows: 2023/24: £14,000, 2024/25: £14,000,
2025/26: £14,000.
Lead officer: Lisa Lees
The Magistrates Association are looking to
replicate the event this year with a new ‘charge’ and
ensuring participation from a broad range of schools across GM,
including those who may struggle to cover the costs of transport.
The event has previously provided young people with experience of
court room process, public speaking and confidence building. We are
keen to give young people these experiences as well as opportunity
to meet professionals and build aspirations. Which will contribute
to the reduction of young people’s involvement with risky
behaviours associated with becoming involved with serious
violence.
Decision Maker: Director for Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire
Decision published: 04/05/2023
Effective from: 21/03/2023
Decision:
We are seeking to award the Magistrates
Association £1,500 in funding to support the running of their
year 6 mock trial competition. In 2022, the event attracted 16
teams from 15 schools from 7 boroughs. Some teams took the part of
the CPS and others the Defence, the charge was ‘Cyber
Bullying.’ 150 young people took part in total with speaking
and non-speaking roles – court reporter, court artist etc.
GMP, BTP and GMFRS were also present to speak to the young
people.
Lead officer: Lisa Lees
The reasons for the decision are:
In October 2021, The Home Office announced funding to be made
available to GMP via GMCA to undertake community based work to
tackle Western Balkan led criminality in Bury, implementing
Prepare, Prevent and Protect objectives to tackle serious and
organised crime. For 2022/23, this totals up to
£172,000.
This project is part of two wider Home Office programmes –
Serious and Organised Crime Community Coordinators, which have
operated in 6 other sites across England for the last three or four
years, and the Western Balkans programme, which delivers both UK
and origin country based interventions to reduce offending, build
community resilience and safeguard individuals and communities at
risk of being drawn into or affected by serious and organised
crime.
The total spend is split between three key budget lines, with the
community coordinator staff allocating project spend to the most
appropriate activity locally to meet the stated project
objectives.
Decision Maker: Treasurer GMCA
Decision published: 04/05/2023
Effective from: 21/03/2023
Decision:
GMCA transfers to GMP up to £172,000 to
deliver on 2022/23 requirements for the Home Office funded Western
Balkans Serious and Organised Crime Community Coordinator programme
in Bury. This is split as per the below:
Staff costs: £42,000 to pay for Community Coordinator
costs.
Project costs: £120,000 to deliver projects to prevent and
minimise the impact of western Balkan related criminality.
Evaluation costs: £10,000 to evaluate the project delivery
over the year
Lead officer: Lisa Lees
Since the installation of the GMEV charging
network in 2012/13, GM has not charged customers to charge their
vehicles. In January 2018, the report to GMCA on the Transport
Budget for 2018/19 noted that the Budget Scrutiny Panel had agreed
to a proposal to commence charging for use of the service.
In November 2019 the GMCA received a report on Greater Manchester
Electric Vehicle Charging Tariff Proposal. GMCA meeting agreed the
Pay as You Go tariff on the publicly owned EV charging network,
subject to the development of a satisfactory Membership Scheme with
authority to approve the Membership Scheme and to implement the
proposed electric vehicle charging tariff delegated to the Chief
Executive Officer, GMCA & TfGM, in consultation with the GM
Mayor.
The current EVCI tariffs were introduced on 20th May 2022 and were
set based on electricity costs of 34 p/kWh. Since then,
Be.EV’s electricity costs have increased and fixed at 54p/kwh
due to rapidly increasing wholesale energy prices in Spring/Summer
2023. This increase in electricity costs has to-date been largely
offset by the introduction of the Government’s Energy Bill
Relief Scheme (EBRS) which provided a discount of c.21p/kWh and in
turn allowed TfGM to keep tariffs at their current levels.
However, the EBRS comes to an end on 31st March 2023 and will be
replaced by a significantly less generous discount of just
2p/kWh.
Therefore, in response to the increase in BeEV’s energy
costs, the end of the EBRS scheme and the need to recover
non-energy related scheme costs, it is therefore proposed that a
tariff change is now implemented. This change ensures that the
resulting increase in energy costs are recovered through the tariff
and should ensure that revenues are sufficient to meet TfGM’s
operating costs. Tariffs will once again be reviewed in October
2023 and will reflect any underlying changes in Be.EV’s
electricity prices.
Decision Maker: Chief Executive Officer GMCA & TfGM
Decision published: 31/03/2023
Effective from: 31/03/2023
Decision:
The Chief Executive Officer, GMCA & TfGM
has agreed to revise the electric vehicle charging tariffs, as set
out below, from Tuesday 4th April 2023.
Tariff from 4 April 2023
FAST CHARGER
Pay-as-you-go Charge tariff £0.90/kWh (currently
£0.49/kWh)
Be.Ev membership tariff £0.85/kWh (currently
£0.46/kWh)
Be.Ev GM taxi membership tariff n/a
RAPID CHARGER
Pay-as-you-go Charge tariff£1.00/kWh (currently
£0.59/kWh)
Be.Ev membership tariff £0.95/kWh (currently
£0.56/kWh)
Be.Ev GM taxi membership tariff £0.90/kWh (currently
£0.49/kWh)
Tariffs are pence per kilowatt hour (kWh), inclusive of VAT and
taxi membership tariff only applies to taxi dedicated charging
points.
Lead officer: Nicola Ward
As set out in the confidential
report.
Decision Maker: Chief Executive Officer GMCA & TfGM
Decision published: 29/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
1. Note the outcomes of the evaluation
exercise and recommendations from TfGM regarding the successful
tenderers for the schools contracts;
2. Award the contracts listed in paragraph 1.12 of the Part B
report to Bidder A;
3. Award the contracts listed in paragraph 1.13 of the Part B
report to Bidder B;
4. Authorise the notification of the successful tenderers and other
bidders of the contract award decision in accordance with the
requirements of the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016;
5. Instruct that all commercial and contractual arrangements to
give effect to the recommendations in the report be finalised and
entered into.
Lead officer: Nicola Ward
Decision Maker: NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board
Decision published: 29/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That apologies be
received and noted from Eamonn Boylan (GMCA), Manisha Kumar (NHS
GMIC), Dr Luvjit Kandula (Primary Care Representative), Councillor
Keith Cunliffe (Wigan) and Councillor Ged Cooney
(Tameside)
Decision Maker: NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board
Decision published: 29/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That condolences be expressed to the family and friends of Andrew Foster, previously the Chief Executive of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh (WWL) Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, who died recently after a short illness.
Decision Maker: NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board
Decision published: 29/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
There were no declarations received in relation to any item on the agenda.
Decision Maker: NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board
Decision published: 29/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That the minutes of the meeting held on 10 February 2023 be approved with the addition of Rowena Burns to the attendance list.
Decision Maker: NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board
Decision published: 29/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
Decision Maker: NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board
Decision published: 29/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
To deliver step free access and other
accessibility improvements at Daisy Hill and Irlam rail
stations.
Decision Maker: Treasurer GMCA
Decision published: 28/03/2023
Effective from: 05/04/2023
Decision:
Appointment of contractor to deliver DfT /
GMCA funded Access for All schemes, including step free access, at
Daisy Hill and Irlam rail stations.
Lead officer: Nicola Ward
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That the latest assessment and emerging response and give views on the next steps in that response be noted.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the amendment to the report at Para 2.1, bullet 4 be noted.
2. That the Trailblazer Devolution Deal as set out at Annex A to the report be endorsed.
3. That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, GMCA & TfGM and GMCA Solicitor & Monitoring Officer to commence the statutory process by carrying out the governance review referred to in the report and to report back to the GMCA with the outcomes, including any recommendations for a proposed Scheme.
4. That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, GMCA & TfGM and GMCA Solicitor & Monitoring Officer to do anything required to enable consideration, as part of the governance review referred to in recommendation 2, of any parts of the Trailblazer Devolution Deal that are not bound by the statutory process.
5. That the comments of the GM Overview & Scrutiny Committee as fed back by Chair Councillor John Walsh be received and noted.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the foundations for an integrated approach to improving health outcomes for GM children & young people be noted.
2. That the recommendations for how we might strengthen governance arrangements in section 4 of the paper be endorsed.
3. That the set of commitments listed in section 5 of the paper for taking an integrated approach to improve health outcomes for GM children & young people and tackling inequality be endorsed.
4. That the set of priorities identified in section 6 of the paper and note the ambitions to develop a set of measures that will enable us to assess progress as a GM system be endorsed.
5. That Members be requested to feed back any further comments they have outside of the meeting.
6. That it be noted that a meeting of the Wider Reform Board will be convened to specifically consider the impact of the pandemic on young children entering the education system.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the key findings of the second year of the #BeeWell survey results be noted.
2. That advice on how to encourage a system-wide response to the findings and ensure young people’s voices are leading the response the survey findings be noted.
3. That shared examples of where #BeeWell data has been utilised and had impact locally be noted.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 04/04/2023
Decision:
1. That the match funding approach for the use of recycled LGF & UKSPF be approved.
2. That the two programmes of work, as set out in this report, to proceed to development phase over the next 6 months be approved.
3. That authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer and GMCA Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Lead for the Education, Skills, Work & Apprenticeships and Digital to agree the commissioning route and award of individual contracts including any subsequent contract extensions.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 04/04/2023
Decision:
1. That the proposals and timeline as set out in Section 2 of the report be approved.
2. That authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer and Monitoring Officer for the commissioning of the IPSPC Service, including to contract award.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 04/04/2023
Decision:
1. That the update on the closure and performance of the 2021/2022 academic year, set out in Section 2 of the report, be considered and noted.
2. That the proposed cost of delivery exceptional payment to devolved AEB Skills Providers for the 2022/2023 academic year, and the granting of delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer, GMCA & TfGM, GMCA Treasurer and GMCA Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Leader and Portfolio Lead Chief Executive for Education, Skills, Work, Apprenticeships and Digital be approved. This will enable the taking forward of the appropriate approach for the 2023/2024 academic year.
3. That it be noted that the proposed commissioning approach and the progressing of the developments including for the second phase of commissioning, and the granting of delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer, GMCA & TfGM, GMCA Treasurer and GMCA Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Leader and Portfolio Lead Chief Executive for Education, Skills, Work, Apprenticeships and Digital will allow for taking forward the AEB commissioning to contract award.
4. That approval be given to the proposed indicative devolved AEB allocations, ‘Level 3 Single Pot’ and subsequent expenditure for the GM grant-funded further education institutions, and that authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer to agree any minor changes that arise during discussions between each institution and GMCA.
5. That support be continued for the administration and management costs at 1.8% of the overall devolved AEB funding for the 2023/2024 academic year.
6. That GMCA Officers and wider stakeholders be allowed to agree a GM offer for traineeships which now forms part of the funding under the devolved AEB allocation and that authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer to take forward any commissioning, including to contract award where relevant.
7. That the Mayor of Greater Manchester approved the proposed indicative devolved AEB allocations, ‘Level 3 Single Pot’ and subsequent expenditure for the GM grant-funded local authorities, and that authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer to approve any minor changes that arise in the course of discussions between each local authority and GMCA.
8. That the Mayor of Greater Manchester approved the continuation of the AEB LA Grant Programme to each of the ten local authorities, supporting alleviating barriers to adult skills, improving digital inclusion through skills, and continue the support of the GM ESOL Advice Service for 2023/2024.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 04/04/2023
Decision:
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the contents of the report be noted.
2. That support be given to the recommendations of the arc4 consultancy work.
3. That support be given to the proposal for GMCA and NHS GMIC to scope the resource requirement and model of delivery for this programme of work with local authority, health and care and housing provider colleagues, with a view to reporting back in Summer 2023.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the allocation of £8.9million to GM Local Authorities under the Homeless Families Leasing Scheme for the purpose of leasing temporary accommodation, as described in Table 2, be approved.
2. That approval be given to the following approaches to bidding for the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (“SHAP”):
Adults: Proceed on the basis that a GM-wide bid for this cohort is not viable and work with eligible local authorities to understand if there is a gap to which a GMCA bid would add value.
Young People: Work with an investor and Registered Provider of Social Housing to draw up a shared accommodation model with a provider specialising in supporting young people;
3. That the allocations to GM Local Authorities and ongoing work to progress the Local Authority Housing Fund (“LAHF”) be noted.
4. That the challenges on the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (“RSAP”) and potential to change the model to deliver the most outcomes for the cohort be noted.
5. That it be noted that the report was exempt from Scrutiny Committee call-in procedures to enable the execution of grant agreements with Local Authorities and allocation of the funds before the 31 March 2023.
6. That it be acknowledged and noted that page 7 of the report contains an error referencing the March 2023 meeting of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee as having been cancelled.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the progress report be approved.
2. That the strategic opportunities presented to Greater Manchester right now, and how these can be used to maximise the potential to achieve GMS ambitions, be noted.
3. That it be noted that insufficient detail of programme delivery has been gathered to assess specific impacts arising from delivery in support of GM Strategy ambition. That it be noted that the assessment completed takes an overview approach, considering the strategic intent of the GMS and forming a view from the overall approaches, understanding and intent.
4. That the comments of the GM Overview & Scrutiny Committee as fed back by Chair Councillor John Walsh be received and noted.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That the minutes of the meeting of the GMCA Audit Committee held on 15 March 2023 be noted.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That the minutes of the meetings of the GMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 8 February 2023 and 8 March 2023 be noted.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That the minutes of the meeting of the GM Resources Committee held on 27 January 2023 be noted.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That approval be given for an additional meeting of the GMCA to be held on 9 June 2023 to consider Bus Franchising Tranche 2.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 04/04/2023
Decision:
1. That the forecast, as at the end of quarter 3, for 2022/23 business rates income including the 75:25 split between districts and GM investment be noted.
2. That the planned income for 2023/24 be noted.
3. That the proposed 2023/24 GM use of the 2022/23 business rates income (set at 25% of total benefit) be approved.
4. That the proposal to bring back any further in-year commitments should the year end income exceed that forecast at quarter 3 be approved.
5. That the position in respect of the devolution trailblazer deal for Greater Manchester be noted.
6. That the comments of the GM Overview & Scrutiny Committee as fed back by Chair Councillor John Walsh be received and noted.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 04/04/2023
Decision:
1. That the recommendations of the GM UKSPF Local Partnership Board on the strategic fit and deliverability of this UKSPF proposal be approved.
2. That the call for proposals, as set out in the report, be approved.
3. That authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead for the Economy, Business and International and Portfolio Lead for Resources and Investment, to agree the award of individual contracts as a result of this proposal.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
1. That, approval be given in principle, to support the potential transfer of some of the Hallé pension fund members to GMPF, recognising that this will require the GMCA to accept responsibility for the liabilities on an ongoing basis. The agreement to be subject to the detailed work confirming that there is a commercial benefit to the GMCA from the transfer.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
a) The Treasury and Prudential Indicators listed in Section 2.
b) The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Strategy in Section 2.
c) The Treasury Management Scheme of Delegation at Appendix F.
d) The Borrowing Strategy outlined in Section 3.
e) The Annual Investment Strategy detailed in Section 4.
f) Delegation to the Treasurer to step outside of the investment limits to safeguard the GMCA’s position as outlined in section 4.7
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the considerable progress in implementing the March 2022 agreed recommendations on social value in procurement be welcomed and noted.
2. That the forward plan of work to operationalise and further develop this work during 2023/24 be approved.
3. That a further report be submitted to the GMCA in 12 months’ time summarising progress across GM Local Authorities / public bodies.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the proposed investments from the £20m DLUHC allocation and delegation of final sign off to the GMCA Treasurer be approved.
2. That it be noted that the report was exempt from Scrutiny Committee call-in procedures to enable the allocation of the funds before the 31 March 2023.
3. That approval be given to the purchase of the land required for the E-Depot for a consideration of £10.5m. This will be funded from the £7.5m grant allocation together with borrowing of £3m which will be funded as part of the overall bus reform business case.
4. That the changes to the GMCA capital programme to reflect the above decisions be approved.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the contents of the report be noted.
2. That the proposed appointment (by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) of the Mayor as the responsible authority for the preparation of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Greater Manchester be supported.
3. That the Mayor accepts the above appointment.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 04/04/2023
Decision:
1. That approval be given to the 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 |
Stubshaw Gardens (Woods Lane) Ltd |
Stubshaw Gardens |
Wigan |
£2.154m |
2. That authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer acting in conjunction with the GMCA Monitoring Officer to prepare and effect the necessary legal agreements.
3. That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, GMCA & TfGM to approve projects for GMHILF funding and agree urgent variations to the terms of GMHILF funding in the period 25 March 2023 to 25 May 2023.
4. 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.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 04/04/2023
Decision:
1. That approval be granted for the release of up to £1.04 million of MCF development cost funding for the Greater Manchester Active Neighbourhoods scheme.
2. That approval be granted for the release of up to £3.43 million of MCF delivery funding for the Manchester Northern Quarter Area 2 scheme.
3. That approval be granted for the release of up to £1.0 million of additional MCF delivery funding for the Manchester Chorlton Phase 2 scheme.
4. That the award to GM of £3.4 million of Active Travel England Capability Funding (second round) be noted and that approval be granted for the addition of the funding to the 2023/2024 GMCA Transport Revenue Budget, as set out in section 4 of the report.
5. That GM’s submission of its Active Travel Fund Round 4 (ATF4) bid to Active Travel England be noted.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 04/04/2023
Decision:
1. That the study recommendations summarised in the report and included in full at Appendix 1 be noted.
2. That approval be granted for the draw-down of £200,000 of CRSTS funding to support EVCI delivery.
3. That approval be granted for the draw-down of £750,000 of CRSTS funding for TfGM to support EVCI charging at Travel Hubs throughout the conurbation.
4. That the funding distribution model, as set out at Appendix 2 be endorsed, noting that requests for EVCI delivery funding will be brought to GMCA in line with the agreed CRSTS drawdown process, and only where it can be shown it helps deliver charging in underserved or otherwise uncommercial areas as part of a commercial deal with a Charge Point Operator (CPO) partner.
5. That it be noted that the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) have launched the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (LEVI) to deliver a step change in the deployment of local infrastructure across England.
6. That it be noted that Greater Manchester Combined Authority's capability funding allocation for the LEVI scheme in 22/23 is £259,200.
7. That the updates to the GM Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy, as outlined in Section 4 be approved.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That Mayor Andy Burnham declared an interest in item 28b (Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure Delivery) and would vacate the Chair for that item.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the GMCA welcomed Lynne Ridsdale to her first meeting as the Chief Executive of Bury Council.
2. That the update on the launch of GMP’s Neighbourhood Policing Offer be received.
3. That GMP Chief Constable Stephen Watson be invited to a meeting of the Combined Authority to provide an update on the implementation of the Neighbourhood Policing Offer at the appropriate time.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 04/04/2023
Decision:
1. That approval be granted for a loan of up to £2m to Holiferm Limited.
2. That approval be granted for a loan of up to £200k to Shaping Cloud Limited.
3. That authority be delegated to the Combined Authority Treasurer and 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.
4. 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 25 March 2023 to 25 May 2023.
5. 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.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That the minutes of the meeting of the GMCA Standards Committee held on 10 February 2023 be approved.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That the minutes of the GMCA meeting held on 10 February 2023 be agreed as a correct record.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That the minutes of the meeting of the GMCA Waste & Recycling Committee held on 16 March 2023 be noted.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Made at meeting: 24/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Decision published: 27/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
That the Capital Strategy for 2023/24 be approved.
Following competition Parts Alliance emerged
as the preferred supplier for Lots 1 to 3, and Fleet Factors
emerged as the preferred supplier for Lot 4.
Decision Maker: Treasurer GMCA
Decision published: 23/03/2023
Effective from: 08/03/2023
Decision:
The Deputy Mayor approves the award of a 2
year contract for the provision of Vehicle Spare Parts to Parts
Alliance Ltd and Fleet Factors Ltd, with the option to extend for a
further 2 years. The likely value of 4 years spend would be circa
£1 million.
Lead officer: Lisa Lees
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Made at meeting: 17/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Decision published: 21/03/2023
Effective from: 17/03/2023
Decision:
2. That the proposal to develop a Consumer and Commercial Growth Strategy be noted.
3. That it be noted that phase 2 of the Get On Board campaign would go live from 13 March and would run for 12 weeks until 7 May.
4. That it be noted that the first wave of targeted campaigns would commence by June 2023.
5. That further details on operational practices around sporting events would be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Made at meeting: 17/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Decision published: 21/03/2023
Effective from: 17/03/2023
Decision:
2. That the presentation delivered at the meeting be circulated to members.
3. That it be noted that the Streets for All design guide was due to be published in the Summer of 2023.
4. That the work being done with GMP to improve safety on the network and build customer confidence be noted.
5. That the activity being done to improve public transport connectivity as part of the Get On Board campaign be noted.
6. That the work being done with schools in collaboration with district officers, to get children to and from school in more active and sustainable ways be noted.
7. That it noted that as part of the road danger reduction plan, that funding had been agreed for 91 new safety cameras through the active travel programme.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Made at meeting: 17/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Decision published: 21/03/2023
Effective from: 17/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the update on the work and achievements of the Greater Manchester TravelSafe Partnership across 2022 be noted.
2. That the summary of the outcomes and successes of the GMP Transport Unit be noted.
3. That it be noted that the delivery of Safer Streets (round 4) focussed on the issue of missiles/criminal damage in Bolton and Salford was currently underway.
4. That it be noted that a three-year action plan was being developed to promote gender equality to support safer travel for all.
5. That GMP would provide Councillor Phil Burke with detailed figures on the number of arrests made on the network in relation to knife crime.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Made at meeting: 17/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Decision published: 21/03/2023
Effective from: 17/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the update in relation to the delivery of the Bee Network be noted.
2. That it be noted that work on the fares and ticketing proposition was underway and that a further progress update would be brought to a future meeting.
3. That it be noted that a consultation had been launched to allow cross boundary services to operate within GM under the service permit scheme.
4. That it be noted that further updates in relation to the procurement of depots would be brought to a future meeting.
5. That a report outlining the details of the GM Bus Plan would be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.
6. That it be noted that further engagement sessions had been planned individual local authorities to inform members of franchising delivery progress.
7. That further information be provided to Councillor John Vickers on the level of engagement with members of the public concerning the features that could be added to buses on the network.
8. That members receive regular updates on developments concerning any progress made on the bus network linked to the Clean Air Plan.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Made at meeting: 17/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Decision published: 21/03/2023
Effective from: 17/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the updates from Northern Rail be noted.
2. That it be noted there had been considerable service improvements since the introduction of the December timetable.
3. That it be noted that through the Greater Manchester Stations Alliance work was underway to install accessible toilet pods at a few stations, which would be available to rail users and the wider community.
4. That it be noted that the renovation work to improve accessibility being carried out at Salford Central station had been progressing as planned.
5. That it be noted that the ticket office in Hattersley was now open.
6. That it be noted that Northern Rail had won an award for innovative computer simulation to build confidence with those with accessibility needs to travel by train.
7. That it be noted that Northern would feedback to Councillor Vickers on the suggestion made as to whether it would be possible to extend the discount offer for journeys made between Wigan and central Manchester.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Made at meeting: 17/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Decision published: 21/03/2023
Effective from: 17/03/2023
Decision:
1. That the minutes of the Metrolink & Rail Sub Committee held on 3 March 2023 be noted.
2. That the minutes of the Bus Services Sub Committee held on 10 March 2023 be noted.
3. That the minutes of the Active Travel Sub Committee held on 10 March 2023 be noted.
4. That thanks be noted for the work done by TfGM colleagues to stabilise the bus network.
5. That a meeting be arranged to allow Councillor Phil Burke to put forward his views to the Mayor on the Bikes on Tram’s pilot.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Made at meeting: 17/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Decision published: 21/03/2023
Effective from: 17/03/2023
Decision:
That Councillor Phil Burke declared a personal interest as an employee of Metrolink.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Made at meeting: 17/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Decision published: 21/03/2023
Effective from: 17/03/2023
Decision:
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Made at meeting: 17/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Decision published: 21/03/2023
Effective from: 17/03/2023
Decision:
There were no Chair’s announcements or items of urgent business.
Decision Maker: Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Made at meeting: 17/03/2023 - Greater Manchester Transport Committee
Decision published: 21/03/2023
Effective from: 17/03/2023
Decision:
Apologies were received and noted from Councillors Tracey Rawlins, Howard Sykes, Naeem Hassan, Kevin Peel and George Hulme.
The 2 X Complex Safeguarding posts were
previously resourced through secondment agreements with individual
LAs but it has been agreed that the GMCA will now host these posts
with funding provided through £26k contribution from each
Local Authority. The staff will require laptops and phones in order
to operate from the GMCA. This proposal is to use a proportion of
the LA contribution for this purpose.
Decision Maker: Director for Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire
Decision published: 08/03/2023
Effective from: 24/03/2023
Decision:
Essential equipment costs to be allocated in
order to establish and base complex safeguarding officers at the
Greater Manchester Combined Authority. This funding is sourced via
the 10 GM district local authorities via Directors of
Children’s Services.
• Dell Laptop £960
• iPhone 13 Mini £539
X 2 Officers
TOTAL £2998
Lead officer: Lisa Lees