The Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee is scheduled to convene on Monday 29 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes an update on the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan, a review of the committee's terms of reference, and the appointment of a new Chair for the upcoming municipal year.

GM Clean Air Plan - June 2026 Update

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on an update regarding the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan (GM CAP). This report, presented by Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, GM Lead Member for Clean Air, will summarise the progress made in delivering the investment-led, non-charging plan. Discussions are scheduled to cover the electrification of bus fleets, local traffic management measures, the delivery of the Hackney Support Fund, and the removal of Clean Air Zone signage. The report will also address the transfer of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera responsibility to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the latest monitoring data on air quality.

The report indicates that the Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) has transitioned its delivery functions back to Defra and the Department for Transport, though Greater Manchester remains subject to legal direction and ongoing monitoring. Progress on the investment-led plan includes the substantial completion of Clean Air Zone signage removal, with the ANPR camera transfer to GMP set for 13 July 2026.

Regarding financial support for taxi drivers, a proposal for a revised grant-only scheme for Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) is to be considered. This scheme would offer a £2,500 grant per eligible vehicle, including retrospectively for those who have already purchased a compliant replacement. This follows an assessment that a loan option would incur higher delivery and lifecycle costs.

The report highlights that bus measures, including zero-emission buses (ZEBs) and associated depot electrification, are progressing. Manchester and Salford are implementing traffic management interventions, such as signal optimisation, to improve traffic flow and reduce emissions. The Hackney Support Fund has seen a significant number of applications processed, with the portal set to re-open for further submissions.

Monitoring data from 2025 shows a continued improvement in air quality across Greater Manchester, with a reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceedances compared to previous years. However, a small number of locations, primarily in Manchester and Stockport, still require targeted intervention to support compliance in 2026. The report notes that no Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) exceedances of the NO2 annual mean objective were recorded in GM for the first time in 2025.

The committee is expected to note the overall financial position, with expenditure to the end of March 2026 standing at £110.7 million against a total central government funding of £188.4 million. The remaining funds are primarily allocated to the delivery of investment-led measures throughout 2026.

GM Air Quality Administration Committee Terms of Reference

The committee is scheduled to review its Terms of Reference, as presented by Gillian Duckworth, GMCA Group Solicitor & Monitoring Officer. These terms outline the committee's role in jointly discharging functions related to air quality under the Environment Act 1995 and the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan. The committee is a joint committee established by the ten Greater Manchester local authorities and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). Its role is to enable the joint discharge of functions under sections 82 to 84 of the Environment Act 1995 and in relation to the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan. The committee's powers include discharging functions related to the GMCA's and constituent authorities' responsibilities under the Environment Act 1995 and the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan, excluding decisions that must be taken jointly by charging authorities under the Transport Act 2000. The terms also specify the committee's membership, quorum (eight members), voting rights, and decision-making process (simple majority).

Appointment of Chair of the Committee for 2026-2027

The meeting will include the appointment of a Chair for the committee for the 2026-2027 municipal year. Nominations will be sought for this position.

Membership of the Committee 2026-2027

The membership of the committee for the upcoming municipal year is scheduled to be noted. This includes representatives from Bolton, Manchester, Rochdale, Stockport, Trafford, Bury, Oldham, Salford, Tameside, and Wigan, along with Councillor Eamonn O'Brien as the GMCA Portfolio Holder.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 29 January 2026, are to be considered for approval as a correct record. The previous meeting's agenda included updates on the GM Clean Air Plan, expenditure, and the transfer of ANPR cameras to GMP.

Declarations of Interest

The committee is scheduled to receive declarations of interest from members in relation to any items on the agenda. A blank form for declaring interests has been circulated, and members are asked to return it to the Governance & Scrutiny Officer at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Chair's Announcements and Urgent Business

Any announcements from the Chair and items of urgent business are also scheduled to be addressed.