The GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to appoint its Chair, hear an introduction from the Mayor of Greater Manchester, and review its annual report and work programme. Councillor John Leech was appointed as the new Chair of the committee.

Mayoral Introduction to the GM Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Mayor of Greater Manchester addressed the committee, outlining her priorities for the year ahead. She highlighted the cost of living and affordability as the most significant challenges facing residents, alongside the pace of devolution and the need for the GMCA to adapt to increasing responsibilities. Key areas of focus for the coming year include the continued development of the Bee Network, the Live Well approach to prevention and community support, and the use of the Good Growth Fund to ensure economic growth benefits all residents.

Members raised concerns about the affordability of housing, the progress towards the 2038 carbon neutrality target, and improving communication between the GMCA and local councillors. The Mayor acknowledged the need for a clearer definition of affordable housing and stressed the importance of increasing the supply of genuinely affordable, social, and council housing. She reaffirmed the commitment to the 2038 carbon neutrality target, emphasizing a science-led and equitable transition. The Mayor also agreed that residents should be involved earlier in policy development and highlighted opportunities to strengthen co-production and participation.

The committee also discussed employment and training opportunities, particularly for young people, and environmental issues such as fly-tipping. The Mayor outlined work to explore greater devolution of employment and skills support and a new approach to tackling cross-boundary environmental issues with Defra and the Environment Agency.

Appointment of the Chair

Councillor John Leech was appointed as the Chair of the GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committee for the 2026/27 municipal year.

GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2025/26

The committee received and noted the annual report outlining the work undertaken by the GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committee over the past municipal year. The report highlighted key achievements, including the strengthening of strategic scrutiny of the Greater Manchester Strategy, pre-decision financial scrutiny of budgets, and influencing transport policy. It also detailed the impact of Task and Finish Reviews, such as the one on Building a Stronger Early Education and Childcare Workforce, and the ongoing efforts to embed cross-cutting scrutiny priorities like transparency, equality, and partnership working. The report also noted the strengthening collaboration with the Audit Committee and engagement with the Mayor and Portfolio Leads.

Work Programme and Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The committee noted the proposed Overview & Scrutiny Work Programme for September 2026 to November 2026. Members were encouraged to use the Forward Plan of Key Decisions to identify potential areas for further scrutiny. The work programme includes a range of briefings and discussions on topics such as climate adaptation, fiscal devolution, and transport plans. Priority areas identified by members for future scrutiny include future employment support, affordable housing delivery, revitalising high streets, and SEND provision.

Future Meeting Dates

The proposed dates for future committee meetings were noted, with a commitment to review these dates to identify and mitigate potential clashes with local authority meetings, particularly the February meeting.

Membership of the GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committee 2026/27

The committee noted the membership for the 2026/27 municipal year and received an update on outstanding appointments.

Members Code of Conduct and Annual Declaration of Interest Form

Members were reminded of their obligations under the GMCA Members' Code of Conduct and requested to complete their annual declaration of interest forms.

Terms of Reference

The committee's Terms of Reference were noted.

Minutes of the previous meeting held on 25 March 2026

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 25 March 2026 were approved as a correct and accurate record, with an amendment to note Councillor Ennis's attendance and an addition regarding the Greater Manchester Strategy - Measuring Performance.