The Greater Manchester Combined Authority is scheduled to convene on Friday, 25 September 2026, with a packed agenda covering a range of significant topics. Key discussions are expected to revolve around the appointment of an interim Group Chief Executive, the allocation of funds from the Good Growth Fund for various projects, and updates on the capital programme for the 2025/26 financial year and the first quarter of 2026/27.

Appointment of Interim Group Chief Executive

A report from Mayor Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, outlines the process for appointing an interim Group Chief Executive. This appointment is intended to ensure leadership continuity for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) during a period of transition. The report recommends the appointment of Andrew Lightfoot, the current Deputy Group Chief Executive, to this interim role, effective from 28 August 2026. This appointment aims to maintain organisational stability and statutory accountability.

Good Growth Fund Allocations

Mayor Bev Craig and Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett are presenting recommendations for new investments through the Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund (GGF). These allocations are intended to support city centre densification, unlock growth through transport infrastructure, accelerate innovation, and increase the delivery of social and affordable homes. The report also proposes a new partnership approach with social and affordable housing providers to create a longer-term framework for delivering housing ambitions. Amendments to previously agreed allocations and updates on existing GGF-funded projects are also scheduled for discussion.

Capital Programme Updates

Councillor Nazia Rehman, portfolio lead for Resources and Investment, will present updates on the capital programme. The report on the Capital Outturn 2025/26 details the actual expenditure for the previous financial year, comparing it to forecasts and budgets across various portfolios including Transport, Economic Development and Regeneration, Fire and Rescue, and Waste and Resources. Following this, the Capital Update Quarter 1 2026/27 report will provide an overview of the capital expenditure programme for the current financial year, highlighting forecast positions and seeking approval for additions to the capital programme for several teams, including the Investment Team, Environment Team, Digital Team, Education, Work and Skills Team, and Waste and Resources Team.

Treasury Management Review

Councillor Nazia Rehman and Steve Wilson, GMCA Group Chief Financial Officer, will present the Annual Treasury Management Review 2025/26. This report details the Authority's treasury management activities, prudential and treasury indicators for the past financial year, and confirms compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements. It will cover capital expenditure, the Capital Financing Requirement (CFR), borrowing activity, and the investment portfolio, providing an overview of the Authority's financial position as of 31 March 2026.

Transport and Net Zero Progress

Mayor Bev Craig and Deputy Chief Executive Andrew Lightfoot will provide an update on progress in delivering the Greater Manchester Strategy's commitment to a greener, fairer city-region. This includes the transition towards a fully integrated, zero-emission public transport system by 2030. The report will cover the selection of a preferred supplier for a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement to provide renewable energy for the Metrolink network and progress in decarbonising the Bee Network bus fleet.

Transport Pipeline Funding Allocations

The Mayor of Greater Manchester and Deputy Chief Executive Andrew Lightfoot will present an overview of the transport infrastructure pipeline. Recommendations will be put forward regarding current and future revenue and capital allocations to optimise scheme development and delivery. This includes proposals for consolidating revenue funding to support future scheme development and allocating capital headroom to Local Authorities for Highways Maintenance and Active Travel programmes.

Mayoral Development Corporations

Several reports concern the establishment of Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs) in various areas across Greater Manchester. These reports will present the results of public consultations and seek approval for the designation of Mayoral Development Areas. Specifically, discussions are scheduled for:

• Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation Results & Approval to Designate: This report will outline the consultation findings and seek approval for the designation of a Mayoral Development Area in Middleton.
• Ashton & Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation Outcome & Approval to Designate: This report will detail the consultation results for Ashton & Stalybridge and seek approval for the designation of a Mayoral Development Area.
• Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation Results & Approval to Designate: This report will present the consultation findings for Oldham and seek approval for the designation of a Mayoral Development Area.
• Bolton Town Centre Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation Results & Approval to Designate: This report will outline the consultation results for Bolton Town Centre and seek approval for the designation of a Mayoral Development Area.

Greater Manchester International Strategy Delivery Plan Overview 2026-2028

Mayor Bev Craig and Tom Stannard, Portfolio Lead Chief Executive for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth, will present the Greater Manchester International Strategy Delivery Plan Overview for 2026-2028. This report seeks approval for the plan, which outlines proposed priorities, a delivery framework, and strategic outcomes to guide Greater Manchester's international activity and strengthen its position as an internationally connected and competitive city-region.

Greater Manchester Innovation Plan

Mayor Bev Craig and Tom Stannard will also present an overview of the refreshed Greater Manchester Innovation Plan (GMIP). This plan aligns innovation activity with the Greater Manchester Strategy and other key strategies, outlining a framework for future action to foster innovation-led growth.

Rough Sleeping Funding 2026/27

Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett, Portfolio Lead for Housing First, will provide an update on recently announced rough sleeping funding and initial plans for its deployment across Greater Manchester. The report will highlight the opportunity to enhance the 'A Bed Every Night' approach and invest in interventions to help people experiencing rough sleeping move into sustainable accommodation. It will also note the establishment of a Task and Finish Group to design and mobilise the Rough Sleeping Programme from 2027 onwards.

Transport Pipeline Funding Allocations

The report on Transport Pipeline Funding Allocations will provide an overview of the current position of the transport infrastructure pipeline. Recommendations will be put forward regarding revenue and capital allocations to optimise scheme development and delivery, including proposals for consolidating revenue funding and allocating capital headroom to Local Authorities for Highways Maintenance and Active Travel programmes.

Transport and Net Zero

Mayor Bev Craig and Deputy Chief Executive Andrew Lightfoot will update on progress in decarbonising the Bee Network bus fleet and the use of long-term renewable energy to power the Metrolink. These measures are presented as supporting Greater Manchester's carbon neutrality commitment by 2038.

GMCA Revenue Outturn 2025/26

Councillor Nazia Rehman and Steve Wilson will present the revenue outturn position for the 2025/26 financial year across various GMCA budgets, including the General Budget, Mayoral General Budget, GM Fire & Rescue, Waste and Resources, and Transport.

GMCA Revenue Update Quarter 1 2026/27

Councillor Nazia Rehman and Steve Wilson will also provide a Quarter 1 update on the 2026/27 revenue outturn position, detailing the financial standing at the end of June 2026.

Transport Pipeline Funding Allocations

This report will provide an overview of the current transport infrastructure pipeline and present recommendations for revenue and capital allocations to optimise scheme development and delivery. It will cover proposals for consolidating revenue funding and allocating capital headroom for Highways Maintenance and Active Travel programmes.

Transport and Net Zero

Mayor Bev Craig and Deputy Chief Executive Andrew Lightfoot will update on progress towards a zero-emission public transport system by 2030. This includes the selection of a preferred supplier for a Power Purchase Agreement for renewable energy for the Metrolink and advancements in decarbonising the Bee Network bus fleet.

GMCA Revenue Outturn 2025/26

Councillor Nazia Rehman and Steve Wilson will present the revenue outturn position for the 2025/26 financial year across various GMCA budgets, including the General Budget, Mayoral General Budget, GM Fire & Rescue, Waste and Resources, and Transport.

GMCA Revenue Update Quarter 1 2026/27

Councillor Nazia Rehman and Steve Wilson will also provide a Quarter 1 update on the 2026/27 revenue outturn position, detailing the financial standing at the end of June 2026.

Annual Treasury Management Review 2025/26

Councillor Nazia Rehman and Steve Wilson will present the annual review of treasury management activities and the actual prudential and treasury indicators for the 2025/26 financial year. This report fulfils statutory requirements and provides details of the Authority's borrowing and investment activities.

Greater Manchester International Strategy Delivery Plan Overview 2026-2028

Mayor Bev Craig and Tom Stannard will present the Greater Manchester International Strategy Delivery Plan Overview 2026-2028, seeking approval for the plan which outlines priorities, a delivery framework, and strategic outcomes to guide the city-region's international activity.

Greater Manchester Innovation Plan

Mayor Bev Craig and Tom Stannard will also present an overview of the refreshed Greater Manchester Innovation Plan (GMIP). This plan sets out a framework for future action to foster innovation-led growth and aligns with the Greater Manchester Strategy.

Rough Sleeping Funding 2026/27

Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett will provide an update on recently announced rough sleeping funding and initial plans for its deployment across Greater Manchester. The report will highlight the opportunity to enhance the 'A Bed Every Night' approach and invest in interventions to help people experiencing rough sleeping move into sustainable accommodation. It will also note the establishment of a Task and Finish Group to design and mobilise the Rough Sleeping Programme from 2027 onwards.

Transport Pipeline Funding Allocations

This report will provide an overview of the current transport infrastructure pipeline and present recommendations regarding revenue and capital allocations to optimise scheme development and delivery. It will cover proposals for consolidating revenue funding and allocating capital headroom for Highways Maintenance and Active Travel programmes.

Transport and Net Zero

Mayor Bev Craig and Deputy Chief Executive Andrew Lightfoot will update on progress towards a zero-emission public transport system by 2030. This includes the selection of a preferred supplier for a Power Purchase Agreement for renewable energy for the Metrolink and advancements in decarbonising the Bee Network bus fleet.

GMCA Revenue Outturn 2025/26

Councillor Nazia Rehman and Steve Wilson will present the revenue outturn position for the 2025/26 financial year across various GMCA budgets, including the General Budget, Mayoral General Budget, GM Fire & Rescue, Waste and Resources, and Transport.

GMCA Revenue Update Quarter 1 2026/27

Councillor Nazia Rehman and Steve Wilson will also provide a Quarter 1 update on the 2026/27 revenue outturn position, detailing the financial standing at the end of June 2026.

Annual Treasury Management Review 2025/26

Councillor Nazia Rehman and Steve Wilson will present the annual review of treasury management activities and the actual prudential and treasury indicators for the 2025/26 financial year. This report fulfils statutory requirements and provides details of the Authority's borrowing and investment activities.

Mayoral Development Corporations

Several reports concern the establishment of Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs) in various areas across Greater Manchester. These reports will present the results of public consultations and seek approval for the designation of Mayoral Development Areas. Specifically, discussions are scheduled for:

• Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation Results & Approval to Designate: This report will outline the consultation findings and seek approval for the designation of a Mayoral Development Area in Middleton.
• Ashton & Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation Outcome & Approval to Designate: This report will detail the consultation results for Ashton & Stalybridge and seek approval for the designation of a Mayoral Development Area.
• Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation Results & Approval to Designate: This report will present the consultation findings for Oldham and seek approval for the designation of a Mayoral Development Area.
• Bolton Town Centre Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation Results & Approval to Designate: This report will outline the consultation results for Bolton Town Centre and seek approval for the designation of a Mayoral Development Area.

The meeting will also address the Exclusion of the Press and Public for specific items where exempt information is likely to be disclosed.