The Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee met to discuss the ongoing GM Clean Air Plan. The committee noted the membership for the 2026-2027 municipal year and the Terms of Reference for the Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee. Councillor Eamonn O'Brien was appointed as the Chair of the Committee for the 2026-2027 municipal year.

GM Clean Air Plan Update

The committee received an update on the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan, an investment-led, non-charging approach to improving air quality. Members welcomed the progress made, particularly in expanding the Bee Network and supporting the bus fleet and taxi industry without placing additional financial burdens on residents.

Key points from the update included:

• Progress on the Plan: The report highlighted the successful removal of Clean Air Zone signage and the transfer of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera responsibility to Greater Manchester Police to aid in road safety and crime detection. The Hackney Support Fund has also seen continued delivery, with a significant number of applications processed for taxi upgrades.
• Monitoring Data: The 2025 monitoring data indicated a continued reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exceedances compared to previous years, with a significant improvement from 2019 levels. While 11 sites still recorded exceedances, a small number of additional locations were identified as requiring targeted intervention to support compliance in 2026.
• Private Hire Vehicle Support Funding: The committee noted the latest position on Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Support Funding. A revised grant-only scheme was proposed, offering a £2,500 grant per eligible vehicle, including retrospectively for those who had already purchased a compliant replacement. This revised scheme is expected to remain within the previously approved total budget.
• Adaptive Planning: Adaptive planning measures are being implemented in specific locations, primarily in Manchester and Stockport, to address areas close to the compliance threshold. These measures focus on optimising existing infrastructure, such as traffic signal timings and bus operations, to ensure compliance by 2026.
• Expenditure: The overall financial position of the GM Clean Air Plan was noted as being within the approved central government funding envelope of £188.4 million. Expenditure to the end of March 2026 stood at £110.7 million.

Members raised several points for further consideration, including the need for more information on the impact of wildfires on air quality and how such events affect monitoring data. They also requested that future reports include benchmarking with comparable cities and consideration of air quality around motorways, with an invitation to National Highways to attend a future meeting. The importance of considering World Health Organisation guidance on air quality was also highlighted.

The committee resolved to note the progress on the investment-led plan, the transfer of ANPR camera responsibility, and the implementation of the Hackney Support Fund. They also noted the 2025 monitoring data and the need for targeted interventions. Delegated authority was granted 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 government. A further report is to be submitted to the next meeting detailing the next steps for improving air quality, including benchmarking and consideration of motorway air quality.

Membership and Terms of Reference

The committee noted the membership for the 2026-2027 municipal year and noted the Terms of Reference for the Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee. Councillor Eamonn O'Brien was appointed as the Chair of the Committee for the 2026-2027 municipal year.