The GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to consider proposals for the future of adult skills investment in Greater Manchester, alongside plans for free bus travel for 11-16 year olds and the introduction of residency checks at Household Waste Recycling Centres. The committee was also scheduled to review its work programme and forward plan of key decisions.

Future Adult Skills Investment Portfolio

The committee was scheduled to consider a report outlining the proposed approach to future adult skills investment in Greater Manchester. This included immediate priorities and the development of a longer-term investment and commissioning strategy. The report was intended to support discussion on how adult skills investment could best serve residents, employers, and the region's economic and social priorities. It was also to address the need for clearer priorities within a limited fund, the balance between broad access and intensive support, and foundational learning versus higher-level skills. The proposed approach aimed to create a more joined-up system, connecting skills and employment support with wider public services, and to build evidence for advocacy with central government. The report indicated that continuity of provision would be maintained while future arrangements were developed, with new delivery arrangements intended from August 2028.

Free Bus Travel for 11-16 Year Olds

A report was scheduled to be presented regarding the Mayoral manifesto commitment to introduce free bus travel for 11-16 year olds in Greater Manchester from January 2027. This initiative, to be known as 'Our Pass 11-16', would replace the current IGO pass and extend the success of the 'Our Pass' scheme for 16-18 year olds. The proposal was expected to benefit up to 200,000 young people, potentially saving families up to £500 per child annually. The report was to detail eligibility criteria, application processes (including online, app-based, and paper options), and the necessary variation to the Greater Manchester Local Concessionary Fares Scheme. Considerations regarding network capacity, planning for increased demand, and safety on the network were also to be discussed, alongside the financial implications, estimated at approximately £20 million annually, to be funded through additional bus sector funding.

Introduction of Residency Checks at Household Waste Recycling Centres

The committee was scheduled to review proposals for enhanced residency checks at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across Greater Manchester, excluding Wigan. This measure was intended to address concerns about the use of GMCA's HWRC network by residents from outside the city region, which had reportedly increased following the closure of facilities in neighbouring areas, such as Cheshire East. The report was to summarise the approach to these checks, which would involve a 'soft' implementation phase, informing visitors of restrictions and introducing spot checks on residency. The legislation underpinning this duty, section 51(1)(b) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, was to be referenced, highlighting the provision of facilities for residents of the area and the ability of a Waste Disposal Authority to prevent usage by non-residents. The proposed implementation was envisaged for early 2027, following communication and development of a standard operating procedure.

Work Programme and Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The committee was scheduled to review its draft Work Programme for October to December 2026 and the latest Forward Plan of Key Decisions. This would provide members with information on forthcoming decisions to be taken by the GMCA, the GM Mayor, or delegated officers and committees. The report was also to include areas of interest identified by members through recent work programming activities, allowing for the identification of potential areas for further scrutiny.

Future Meeting Dates

The committee was scheduled to note the proposed dates for future meetings for the remainder of the municipal year, with a discussion anticipated regarding potential clashes with local authority meeting schedules.