This week in Greater Manchester Combined Authority:

Audit Committee Reviews Information Governance and Fire Service Performance

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority Audit Committee met on Wednesday 22 July 2026. A key focus was the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) practice recommendation regarding the publication of Freedom of Information (FOI) performance statistics. The Authority had previously failed to publish these statistics, a requirement for organisations of its size. Compliance was achieved by 14th May 2026, with the ICO accepting the actions taken. The committee considered how to embed Information Governance assurances and annual reporting into its terms of reference, aiming to bolster transparency and accountability in how resident data is handled.

The committee also received an update on the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service's (GMFRS) HMICFRS inspection outcome report. GMFRS was rated 'Good' for understanding risk, 'Outstanding' for prevention, 'Adequate' for protection, and 'Good' for response. While promising practices were noted, areas for improvement were identified within the protection function, specifically concerning the follow-up of formal notices and the effectiveness of performance management.

Risk management was also a significant topic, with the committee reviewing the complex and pressured risk environment facing GMCA. Key risks identified include financial resilience, external shocks, cyber security, artificial intelligence, and contract resilience. New risks related to Artificial Intelligence and the Waste Emissions Trading Scheme were added, and risk scores were updated. Mitigation activities are focused on strengthening oversight and delivery of risk actions.

The committee reviewed several internal audit reports, including the Head of Internal Audit's annual opinion, which provided a Reasonable Assurance on GMCA's governance, risk management, and internal control framework. The Internal Audit Progress Report noted that the implementation of audit actions fell below the target, with capacity issues affecting timely delivery.

The draft Statement of Accounts for 2025/26 was presented, with the consolidated Group Accounts published later than usual due to delays in receiving financial information. Notably, the external auditors expected to issue a disclaimer of opinion on the accounts, not due to specific concerns about GMCA's financial management, but due to the wider local government audit backlog.

The committee also reviewed and approved updated Treasury Management Practices for 2026/27, noting compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements and robust investment returns. The Authority's ability to continue as a going concern for the purposes of preparing the 2025/26 Statement of Accounts was also assessed and confirmed.

You can find more details about these discussions here: Greater Manchester Combined Authority Audit Committee.

Waste and Recycling Committee Elects Leadership and Tackles Environmental Challenges

The Greater Manchester Waste & Recycling Committee met on Wednesday 22 July 2026. The committee nominated Councillor Alan Quinn as Chair and Councillor Stephen Adshead as Vice-Chair for the 2026/27 municipal year, with these nominations to be put forward for approval by the GMCA.

A significant discussion centred on the pressure on Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) from use by residents outside the nine GMCA districts. A two-stage approach was approved to address this, starting with soft steps such as postcode checks and informing visitors about future ID requirements, with research into more technologically based systems to follow. The committee also requested that officers write to the government seeking enhancements to local authority powers regarding HWRCs and cross-border usage.

An early warning was given regarding the future requirement to manage per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in landfill leachate from GMCA's closed landfill sites. New discharge limits for PFAS are expected in April 2027, which could impact landfill operators and push the issue back to them. The committee noted the report and recognised the need to explore future options.

An update on contracts highlighted that the combined contract recycling rate was 46%, a slight decrease from the previous year. Contamination levels in kerbside collected recyclate were noted, with ongoing efforts to improve accuracy. Two further incidents reportable under RIDDOR 2013 were detailed, relating to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The committee received an update on communications campaigns and educational activities, including the 'Big Recycling Survey' which identified resident reliance on councils for information and confusion around certain recyclable items. 'GM Repair Week' was celebrated, and development of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) resources was underway.

Concerns were raised about increased fly-tipping around the closed Reliance Street HWRC, and the committee requested officers review communications regarding the closure. Wider concerns about endemic fly-tipping were discussed, with a suggestion to lobby the government for changes to legislation to enhance local authority powers. The committee also requested clarity on responsibilities for clearing rubbish from the vicinity of Metrolink tram lines.

You can find more details about these discussions here: Greater Manchester Waste & Recycling Committee.

This week in Greater Manchester Combined Authority:

Tackling Racism in Healthcare: Joint Health Scrutiny Committee Focuses on Anti-Racism Programme

The Greater Manchester Joint Health Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 14 July 2026, with a critical focus on the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership's (ICP) Anti-Racism Programme. This initiative is designed to confront racism experienced by staff, patients, and communities within the health and care system, aligning with regional and national frameworks aimed at achieving racial equity.

The programme includes a public-facing campaign, No Space for Racism, and practical steps like improving reporting mechanisms for racist behaviour and embedding anti-racism into commissioning processes. The urgency of this work is underscored by a reported increase in calls regarding racism and a concerning percentage of migrant care staff experiencing such issues. For vulnerable groups, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, systemic racism can lead to significant health disparities and a lack of trust in essential services. This programme aims to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment for all residents.

The committee also received an update on the funding model for Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) engagement. This initiative seeks to build a sustainable framework for VCSE participation, empowering local infrastructure organisations to fund community groups and grassroots initiatives. The goal is to ensure that voices experiencing the greatest health inequalities are heard in the shaping of health services.

Furthermore, an update was provided on the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) assessment of adult social care provision across Greater Manchester. While some local authorities received high ratings, others consistently scored less well in areas such as assessing need and supporting healthier lives. This highlights potential disparities in care quality that could disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals relying on these services.

The committee also reviewed the NHS Greater Manchester Monthly Service Reconfiguration Progress Report, which detailed ongoing projects like the proposed single-centre model for adult cardiac and specialised arterial vascular surgery. While centralisation aims to improve service quality, it can raise concerns about accessibility for patients. A formal public consultation on this proposal is expected, offering residents a chance to voice their opinions.

Finally, the committee considered its draft Work Programme for the 2026/27 municipal year, which includes ongoing scrutiny of health inequalities, anti-racism initiatives, and adult social care.

You can find more details about these discussions here: Greater Manchester Joint Health Scrutiny Committee.

Waste and Recycling Committee to Elect Leadership and Address Environmental Concerns

The Greater Manchester Waste & Recycling Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 22 July 2026. A key item on the agenda is the appointment of a Chair and Vice Chair for the upcoming municipal year, which is crucial for guiding the committee's work in overseeing waste disposal strategies and policies.

The committee will also discuss its work programme for 2026-27, which includes updates on contracts, communications and behavioural change, and sustainable consumption and production. A significant report is scheduled regarding the impact of government plans for managing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as 'forever chemicals'. The introduction of new discharge limits for PFAS in April 2027 could impact Greater Manchester's closed landfill sites, a matter of environmental importance for the region.

Additionally, the committee will address the issue of cross-border usage of Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs), which are experiencing pressure from residents outside Greater Manchester. Proposals are being considered to manage this, potentially involving postcode checks and requiring proof of address, to ensure local facilities serve local residents effectively.

You can find more details about these discussions here: Greater Manchester Waste & Recycling Committee.

Audit Committee to Review Information Governance and Fire Service Inspections

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority Audit Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 22 July 2026. The agenda includes a review of the Information Commissioner's practice recommendation concerning information governance statutory performance. This is vital for ensuring that residents' data is handled securely and in compliance with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The committee will also receive updates on the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service's HMICFRS inspection outcomes. These inspections are critical for assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of fire and rescue services, ensuring public safety. The committee will also consider the Head of Internal Audit's annual opinion on the effectiveness of internal audit services, a key component of good governance and financial oversight.

You can find more details about these discussions here: Greater Manchester Combined Authority Audit Committee.

Other Matters

The Bee Network Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 30 July 2026. The agenda for this meeting has not yet been published. You can find more details here: Bee Network Committee.

The Greater Manchester Housing First, Planning and Infrastructure Commission is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 29 July 2026. The agenda for this meeting has not yet been published. You can find more details here: Greater Manchester Housing First, Planning and Infrastructure Commission.

This week in Greater Manchester Combined Authority:

Mayor's Office Gears Up for Election: Key Appointments and Constitution Review

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) held a crucial meeting on Friday 10 July 2026, with significant decisions impacting the upcoming mayoral election and the authority's governance. The appointment of a new Combined Authority Returning Officer (CARO) was a top priority, ensuring the smooth running of the mayoral election scheduled for 30 July 2026.

Appointing the Election Chief

The role of the Combined Authority Returning Officer (CARO) is vital for overseeing the election of the Greater Manchester Mayor. With the previous CARO, Caroline Simpson, having resigned on 29 June 2026, an immediate appointment was necessary. The meeting proposed Andrew Lightfoot, the Deputy Group Chief Executive and Managing Director of GMCA, for this critical role. This appointment is mandated by The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) Order 2017, which outlines the procedures for mayoral elections in combined authorities.

Overhauling Governance: GMCA Constitution and Committee Appointments

The meeting also addressed the adoption of a revised GMCA constitution. This included the proposed creation of an Investment Sub-Committee, designed to streamline the management of significant investments. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the agenda was dedicated to appointing members to various GMCA committees and bodies for the 2026/27 period. These appointments are essential for the effective functioning of the authority, ensuring diverse representation in decision-making across areas like resources, waste and recycling, and the Bee Network.

Supporting Early Years Workforce

A report from the GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committee Task & Finish Review into workforce retention and quality within early education and childcare was also discussed. This review highlighted the critical role of early years education as an investment in both economic and social infrastructure. The recommendations, which included championing the real living wage for staff and investing in career progression, are particularly important for addressing the challenges faced by a sector that supports children's development and enables parents to work. The review noted that approximately 30.4% of children in Greater Manchester live in poverty, underscoring the importance of accessible and high-quality early years provision.

Advancing Race Equity

Progress on the Greater Manchester Race Equity Framework was also on the agenda. The report acknowledged that the pandemic had exacerbated existing racial inequalities. While efforts have been made to improve leadership visibility, staff support, and data usage, the report indicated a need to scale up activity and ensure consistent delivery across organisations. This framework is crucial for addressing systemic discrimination and ensuring fair opportunities for all residents.

Supporting Private Hire Vehicle Owners

The meeting also considered a report on the Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Support Fund. The proposed revision moves the fund to a grant-only model, offering £2,500 to eligible PHV owners to replace older, non-compliant vehicles with cleaner alternatives. This initiative aims to support local businesses and contribute to improved air quality across the region.

You can find more details about these discussions here: Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Environment Partnership Meets to Discuss Future Plans

The Greater Manchester 5 Year Environment Plan (5YEP) Partnership met on Friday 10 July 2026. While the summary of this meeting is pending council publication, the partnership plays a vital role in coordinating efforts to achieve Greater Manchester's ambitious environmental goals. These plans are crucial for tackling climate change, improving air quality, and enhancing green spaces, all of which have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of residents.

You can find more details about this meeting here: Greater Manchester 5 Year Environment Plan (5YEP) Partnership.

This week in Greater Manchester Combined Authority:

Police, Fire and Crime Panel Gears Up for Annual Meeting: Key Appointments and Procedures on the Agenda

The Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel convened on Monday 29 June 2026 for its Annual General Meeting. The meeting focused on establishing the panel's governance for the upcoming municipal year, with key discussions around appointments, rules of procedure, and its complaints process.

Filling Leadership Roles: Chair and Vice-Chair Appointments

A central task for the panel was the nomination and election of its Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2026/27 municipal year. These roles are crucial for guiding the panel's work in holding the Greater Manchester Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to account. The appointments ensure that experienced individuals are in place to lead discussions and drive forward the panel's scrutiny functions.

Establishing the Framework: Rules of Procedure and Panel Arrangements

The panel was scheduled to review and potentially adopt its Rules of Procedure and Panel Arrangements. These documents, guided by legislation such as the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, outline how the panel operates, including meeting conduct, voting, and the establishment of sub-committees. Ensuring these procedures are robust and transparent is vital for the panel's effectiveness in scrutinising the work of the police and fire services.

Holding to Account: The Complaints Procedure

A significant item on the agenda was the review of the panel's Complaints Procedure. This procedure details how complaints against the Greater Manchester Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime are handled, in line with regulations like The Elected Local Policing Bodies (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2012. This process is essential for ensuring public confidence and providing a mechanism for addressing concerns about the conduct of these key figures. The procedure outlines how complaints are recorded, investigated, and, where necessary, referred to external bodies like the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Support Structures and Previous Minutes

The meeting also included an overview of the support provided to the panel, detailing the various organisations that contribute to its operational effectiveness. Additionally, the panel was scheduled to approve the minutes from its previous meeting held on 19 March 2026.

You can find more details about these discussions here: Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel.

Air Quality Administration Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee meeting, scheduled for Monday 29 June 2026, was cancelled. This meeting was expected to cover the appointment of a new Chair, review the committee's Terms of Reference, and provide an update on the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan.

The Clean Air Plan update was anticipated to detail progress on bus fleet electrification, local traffic management measures, and the Hackney Carriage Support Fund. It was also expected to provide information on the removal of Clean Air Zone signage and the transfer of ANPR cameras to Greater Manchester Police. The report was to highlight ongoing efforts to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exceedances and outline the latest position on Private Hire Vehicle Support Funding.

The cancellation means that decisions and updates on these important environmental matters will be deferred to a future meeting.

You can find more details about the originally scheduled meeting here: Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee.