The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is scheduled to convene on Friday 13 November 2026, with a packed agenda covering a wide range of strategic initiatives and operational updates. Key discussions are expected to centre on the future of adult skills investment, the expansion of free bus travel for young people, and significant regeneration projects across the region. The meeting will also address climate adaptation strategies, digital infrastructure, and the ongoing management of the Good Growth Fund.

Free Bus Travel for 11-16 Year Olds

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed introduction of free bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds across Greater Manchester, set to commence from January 2027. This initiative, a Mayoral manifesto commitment, aims to benefit up to 200,000 young people, potentially saving families around £500 per child annually. The scheme, to be known as 'Our Pass 11-16', would require a variation to the Greater Manchester Local Concessionary Fares Scheme. Applications are scheduled to open on 8 December 2026, with a £10 fee for physical passes for those aged 11-13 and for digital or physical passes for 13-16 year olds. The estimated net annual cost is approximately £20 million, to be funded through additional bus sector funding. Preparations are underway to manage increased demand, including additional customer support, contingency bus capacity, and enhanced TravelSafe enforcement.

Future Adult Skills Investment Portfolio

The meeting will consider the future direction of adult skills investment in Greater Manchester. Following a report in May 2026, this session seeks agreement on a policy approach to guide future Adult Skills Fund (ASF) decisions, maintain continuity of existing provision, and approve immediate funding for Level 3 qualifications and construction skills. The proposals aim to balance statutory entitlements with local priorities, employer demand, and resident needs, with a phased approach to developing future commissioning arrangements. An allocation of £3 million is proposed for Level 3 growth, and the mobilisation of a Construction Skills Package is also on the agenda, aiming to address skills shortages crucial for the region's housing, infrastructure, and net-zero ambitions.

Good Growth Fund: Year 1 Update and High Streets Campaign

An update on the first year of the Good Growth Fund will be presented, highlighting its role in supporting housing, regeneration, transport, innovation, and economic growth. The fund has approved over £1 billion in investment across 44 projects, supporting the delivery of 5,600 new homes, including 1,047 social and affordable homes, and over 2.3 million sq ft of employment and innovation space. The report will also outline plans for the next phase of the fund, focusing on maximising social value through the Good Growth Fund Social Contract. Alongside this, the Our High Streets campaign will be discussed, proposing a £20 million Good Growth High Streets Fund to revitalise town centres and high streets across Greater Manchester. This fund will offer grants to businesses and community organisations, with the first round focusing on deprived neighbourhoods.

Climate Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan

The GMCA will be asked to approve the Greater Manchester Climate Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan. This comprehensive document outlines how the region will respond to the growing risks and impacts of climate change, including flooding, extreme heat, and severe weather. The strategy emphasizes a collaborative, place-based approach, aiming to reduce risks, protect vulnerable communities, and strengthen resilience across health, the natural environment, infrastructure, and the economy. Key targets include reducing excess heat-related mortality, ensuring healthcare assets are flood-resilient, increasing nature recovery, and improving business preparedness for climate risks. The plan acknowledges the disproportionate impact of climate change on disadvantaged groups and commits to a just resilience approach.

Digital Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and Compute Strategy

A report will be presented on Greater Manchester's response to the UK Government's designation of data centres as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). The Greater Manchester Digital CNI and Compute Strategy aims to provide a strategic framework for managing data centre investment, planning, and infrastructure requirements through to 2032. The strategy seeks to balance economic and social value from data centre growth with the management of impacts on energy, water, and the region's net-zero ambitions. It proposes strategic tests for major hyperscale data centre proposals, focusing on local economic value, grid capacity, and alignment with net-zero goals. A Greater Manchester Data Centre and Compute Forum will be established to coordinate market oversight and intelligence.

Other Key Discussions

The agenda also includes updates on the Greater Manchester Local Remediation Acceleration Plan, detailing progress in addressing fire safety defects in residential buildings, and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Update, outlining the implementation of recommendations by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Discussions are scheduled on the GMCA Heat Networks Zone Co-ordination Body, proposing an organisational and legal model to oversee heat network zoning across the region. Furthermore, the meeting will cover the Place Based Regeneration Pilot, with a proposal to designate Ashton-under-Lyne as the location for this initiative, and the Greater Manchester Climate Adaptation Strategy & Action Plan, detailing the region's approach to managing climate risks. Updates on the GMCA Audit Committee, GMCA Waste & Recycling Committee, Bee Network Committee, and GMCA Investment Committee proceedings are also listed for noting or approval. Finally, GM Nominations & Appointments and the GMCA Equality Panels Annual Reports will be addressed.