The GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the performance measurement of the Greater Manchester Strategy, the potential introduction of an Overnight Visitor Levy, and the findings of a task and finish review into the early education and childcare workforce.

Greater Manchester Strategy - Measuring Performance

The committee was set to receive an update on the performance approach for the Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS). This report, prepared by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Caroline Simpson, Portfolio Lead Chief Executive for Strategy & Policy, aimed to outline the metrics that will be used to measure progress against the GMS's deliverables and priorities. The report followed up on previous discussions regarding the GMS Delivery Plan and budgets. The committee was asked to note the proposed performance approach and reporting structure, and to agree on the GMS reporting approach. The first full GMS progress report, including year-end data, was scheduled to be presented in July 2026.

Overnight Visitor Levy

A report from Councillor Bev Craig, Portfolio Lead for Economy, Business and International, was scheduled to provide an overview of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's (GMCA) response to a UK Government consultation on a new statutory power for Mayoral Combined Authorities to implement an Overnight Visitor Levy. The GMCA's response advocated for devolved decision-making in the design and implementation of the levy, emphasising local flexibility in determining accommodation types, charging models, rates, and spending priorities. The report also detailed the proposed next steps for GMCA, including further data analysis and engagement with stakeholders, ahead of the UK Government's official response to the consultation.

Final Overview & Scrutiny Task and Finish Review - Building a Stronger Early Education and Childcare Workforce

Councillor Mary Callaghan, Chair of the Task and Finish Group, was set to present the final review on building a stronger early education and childcare workforce. The review highlighted the critical role of early education and childcare in supporting child development, school readiness, and enabling parents to participate in the workforce. It identified low pay, high workload, and a lack of professional recognition as key drivers of workforce turnover. The review's recommendations included making early education and childcare a desired career choice, increasing data insight without additional burden, championing the real living wage, investing in career progression and training, promoting integrated models and social purpose businesses, and pursuing market reform and national policy influence. The report also stressed the importance of strengthening partnership working to ensure the sector's voice is heard.