This week in Greater Manchester Combined Authority:

Major Hospital Services Face Consolidation: Public Consultation Looms

The Greater Manchester Joint Health Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 16 June 2026 to discuss significant reconfigurations of vital health services. The most impactful decision on the table was the proposed centralisation of specialised cardiac and arterial vascular surgery services.

The plan, which will now move to a formal public consultation, aims to consolidate adult cardiac surgery at Wythenshawe Hospital and establish a single arterial vascular surgery hub at Manchester Royal Infirmary. This move is driven by reported clinical, workforce, and sustainability challenges with the current service model.

What this means for you: While the aim is to improve the quality and sustainability of these highly specialised services, centralisation can raise concerns about increased travel times and accessibility for patients, particularly those with mobility issues or who live further from these centres. The public consultation, expected to begin in summer 2026, will be a crucial opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and concerns. Final decisions are anticipated by December 2026.

The committee also reviewed lessons learned from the previous winter's pressures, aiming to improve preparedness for the upcoming winter. While there were noted improvements in four-hour performance and reductions in twelve-hour waits in Urgent and Emergency Care, performance still falls below constitutional standards. Challenges remain, including workforce constraints and reliance on temporary funding.

An overview of the NHS Greater Manchester Individual Funding Request (IFR) process was also presented. In 2025/26, 454 IFR requests were received, with a significant number relating to MRI scans. Proposals are underway to develop a regional IFR and Commissioning Policy Development Service to reduce variation and improve efficiency.

The committee also received updates on other service reconfigurations, including the standardisation of NHS-funded IVF cycles to one full cycle for eligible women aged 39 and under, implemented from 1 April 2026.

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

Greater Manchester Combined Authority Gears Up for Annual Meeting: Race Equity and Prevention Take Centre Stage

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is set to hold its annual meeting on Friday, 26 June 2026. The agenda highlights a strong focus on the region's commitment to race equity and a proactive approach to preventative services.

Driving Race Equity Across Greater Manchester

A key item will be the annual update on the Greater Manchester Race Equity Framework. This framework aims to tackle persistent racial inequalities in income, opportunity, and experiences of discrimination. The report will detail collective progress and outline key deliverables for the next twelve months. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that all residents, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, have equitable access to opportunities and fair treatment within public services. The framework seeks to foster greater diversity and inclusion, with plans to strengthen leadership, standardise anti-racism policies, and improve data collection.

Shifting Towards Prevention: The 'Live Well' Ambition

The meeting will also feature an update on Greater Manchester's role as the UK's first national Prevention Demonstrator. The Live Well ambition is central to this, aiming to shift the focus towards preventative approaches that improve outcomes and reduce demand on public services. This strategy emphasises neighbourhood working and integrated services to provide earlier help and prevent crises, a move that could significantly benefit vulnerable individuals and families by addressing issues before they escalate.

Support for Private Hire Vehicle Owners

The Board will also discuss the Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Support Fund. A proposal is on the table to revise the fund, moving from a loan-based system to a grant-only model. This would provide eligible PHV owners with a £2,500 grant to replace older, non-compliant vehicles with cleaner, compliant ones. 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.

Bee Network Committee to Discuss Major Transport Infrastructure Investments

The Bee Network Committee will meet on Thursday, 25 June 2026, with a significant portion of the agenda dedicated to the Transport Infrastructure Pipeline. This pipeline outlines a series of crucial investments aimed at enhancing public transport and active travel across Greater Manchester, supporting the vision of an integrated and sustainable transport system.

Key proposals include:

• City Centre Improvements: Funding requests for the City Centre Bus Strategy Phase 2 and the City Centre Radials Programme aim to improve bus journey times and reliability on key routes into Manchester.
• Orbital Bus Routes: Significant investment is planned for improvements across multiple boroughs to enhance bus services and facilities.
• Interchange Developments: Proposals for Bury Interchange include substantial funding for its phased delivery.
• Active Travel Schemes: Numerous schemes focused on improving walking, cycling, and wheeling facilities are detailed, including significant investments in Partington, Salford, and Wythenshawe.
• Golborne Station: The committee will consider approving funding for the construction of a new railway station at Golborne.
• Highways Maintenance: A substantial allocation of funding is planned for core and local highways maintenance, road safety, and strategic infrastructure.

These investments are vital for connecting communities, supporting economic growth, and promoting healthier, more sustainable ways to travel.

You can find more details about these discussions here: Bee Network Committee.

Other Matters

The AGMA Executive Board is scheduled to meet on Friday, 26 June 2026. The agenda includes the appointment of its Chair and Vice Chairs for the upcoming year and a review of the AGMA Constitution. You can find more details here: AGMA Executive Board.

The Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel will hold its Annual General Meeting on Monday, 29 June 2026. The meeting will cover appointments to the panel, the election of its Chair and Vice-Chair, and a review of its procedural rules and complaints procedure. You can find more details here: Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel.

The Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, 29 June 2026. The agenda for this meeting has not yet been published.