The Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee met on Monday 3 August 2026 to discuss the ongoing Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan and to formally note the committee's membership and terms of reference for the upcoming year. The meeting's agenda also included the consideration of minutes from the previous meeting.

GM Clean Air Plan - June 2026 Update

The primary focus of the meeting was scheduled to be an update on the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan (GM CAP) as of June 2026. This report, presented by Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, GM Lead Member for Clean Air, was set to summarise the progress of the investment-led, non-charging plan. Key areas of discussion were expected to include 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 was also scheduled to cover the transfer of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera responsibility to Greater Manchester Police, the latest air quality monitoring data, and adaptive planning measures designed to support compliance in 2026. Finally, an update on the expenditure related to the plan was to be provided.

The report indicated that the Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU), which had previously overseen the national NO₂ programme, had transitioned its responsibilities back to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for Transport (DfT). However, Greater Manchester remains subject to legal direction and ongoing monitoring and reporting requirements.

Monitoring data from 2025 showed a continued reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exceedances compared to previous years, with significant improvements noted since 2019. Despite this progress, a small number of locations were identified as requiring targeted intervention to support compliance in 2026. The report was expected to recommend delegating authority to the Group Chief Executive, GMCA, GMFRS and TfGM, in consultation with the Mayor and the GM Clean Air Lead, to approve the final submission of the Annual Monitoring Report and adaptive planning measures to the Government.

Regarding financial matters, the report was set to confirm that the overall financial position remained within the approved central government funding envelope of £188.4 million. As of the end of March 2026, expenditure stood at £110.7 million.

GM Air Quality Administration Committee Terms of Reference

The committee was scheduled to consider the Terms of Reference for the GM Air Quality Administration Committee. These terms outline the committee's role in enabling the joint discharge of functions related to air quality under the Environment Act 1995 and the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan. The committee is established by the ten Greater Manchester local authorities and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) under section 101(5) of the Local Government Act 1972. Its membership consists of the lead executive member for clean air from each constituent authority and the relevant portfolio holder from the GMCA, with substitutes also nominated. The committee's powers include discharging functions related to air quality and the GM CAP, excluding decisions that must be taken jointly by charging authorities. The report recommended that the committee consider these terms.

Membership of the Committee

The committee was also scheduled to consider the membership for the 2026/2027 year. This included representatives from Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan, alongside Councillor Eamonn O'Brien representing the GMCA.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee was scheduled to consider the minutes of its previous meeting, held on 29 January 2026, as a correct record. The minutes from that meeting detailed updates on the GM Clean Air Plan, including progress on bus fleet electrification, local traffic measures, the distribution of hackney carriage support funds, and the outcome of a consultation regarding the transfer of Clean Air Zone ANPR cameras to Greater Manchester Police. Discussions also covered expenditure updates for the GM Clean Air Plan.