The Economy Scrutiny Committee of Manchester City Council met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss a range of economic and digital development issues facing the city. Key topics included the progress and future priorities for digital infrastructure and connectivity, the opportunities and risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption by businesses, and proposals for utilising significant funding for integrated employment and skills programmes. The committee also reviewed an overview report detailing key decisions and the committee's work programme.

Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on Manchester's progress in enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity. The report highlighted efforts to expand fibre and mobile networks and develop new approaches to connected placemaking ¹. It was noted that digital infrastructure is considered fundamental to the city's ambitions for inclusive growth, improving public services, and promoting digital inclusion. The discussion was expected to focus on priorities for the next phase of work, particularly strengthening coordination among council services and partners. The report indicated that while Manchester benefits from significant private sector investment in fibre and mobile networks, challenges remain in serving certain premises and ensuring digital infrastructure is integrated early in regeneration and development projects. Specific data on mobile signal and capacity across different wards was provided, alongside figures for premises lacking gigabit-capable broadband.

AI and Business Adoption

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to exploring the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Manchester's economy, businesses, workforce, and residents. The report aimed to provide an overview of current evidence on AI adoption, examining both the opportunities for productivity, innovation, and economic growth, and the emerging risks related to labour market changes, skills demands, and the equitable distribution of benefits. The discussion was intended to consider how Manchester can foster responsible and resilient AI adoption that supports inclusive growth and ensures residents, workers, and businesses can benefit from technological advancements. The report highlighted Manchester's position as a leading AI-ready city and the broader Greater Manchester AI ecosystem, while also detailing research on business readiness, adoption barriers, and the potential for AI to augment or substitute jobs. Specific attention was given to the AI pricing problem, where vendors may charge below cost to build dependency, and the potential for this to impact public institutions.

Integrated Settlement Employment and Skills Programmes

The committee was set to consider proposals for utilising approximately £12.8 million in Integrated Settlement funding allocated by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) for employment programmes in Manchester up to March 2029. The report outlined plans to commission employment and skills initiatives, building on existing successful programmes such as WorkWell Manchester, the Economic Trailblazer programme, and NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) provision. New programmes were proposed to focus on areas like worklessness, community-based equity in employment, and tailored support for specific groups, including those with health conditions, disabilities, and from racially minoritised communities. The funding is intended to increase the number of residents supported by council-commissioned employment programmes and align with the city's Our Manchester Strategy and Work and Skills Strategy.

Overview Report

The committee also received an overview report from the Governance and Scrutiny Support Unit. This report typically provides an update on the monitoring of previous committee recommendations, details of key decisions made by the council that fall within the committee's remit, and the committee's work programme. The report was expected to include information on the progress of implemented recommendations, upcoming key decisions, and the schedule of future topics for discussion.