The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) meeting scheduled for Friday, 27 March 2026, was set to cover a wide range of significant topics, including the approval of substantial budgets for the upcoming financial year, updates on key investment funds, and strategic decisions regarding the future development of several town centres. The meeting's agenda also included a review of the GMCA's constitution and a significant report on the #BeeWell survey results, offering insights into the wellbeing of young people across the region.

GMCA Constitution: Update on Procedural Rules to Clarify and Reflect Current Practice

The meeting was scheduled to discuss proposed amendments to the GMCA's Constitution, specifically focusing on Part 5 of the document. These amendments were intended to clarify and reflect current practices within the authority, aiming to aid the efficient delivery of the new Greater Manchester Strategy for 2026 and beyond. The report, presented by Gillian Duckworth, Group Solicitor & Monitoring Officer, aimed to ensure the GMCA's procedural rules remained clear and accurately represented how meetings are currently conducted. Proposed changes included confirming underlying principles of collective and collaborative decision-making, removing provisions for Assistant Portfolio Holders which are no longer in use, updating the section on meeting agendas to reflect officer-led report generation, and refining the rules of debate to clarify motion types and introduce an option to bring meetings to a close after three hours.

Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund: March Allocations

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund (GGF). This included a report on the March allocations, detailing proposed investments in strategic housing schemes, priority transport interventions, and innovation assets. The report, presented by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Councillor David Molyneux, City Mayor Paul Dennett, and Councillor Bev Craig, outlined how the fund would continue to accelerate delivery across the Integrated Pipeline. Recommendations included approving indicative allocations of £84.8m for strategic housing projects expected to deliver 920 new homes, £314.1m for transport projects to unlock six transformational growth projects, and a £10m pilot for capital grants to support social and affordable housing schemes. The report also noted a new partnership approach with Registered Providers and the opening of a subsidised loan call for housing and employment sites.

Good Growth Fund Investment Decisions through the Implementation of a Greater Manchester Social Value Contract

Further to the allocations, a report was scheduled to discuss how social value would be embedded within GGF investment decisions through the implementation of a GM Social Value Contract. This contract would require recipients to commit to a suite of corporate responsibility initiatives. Additionally, the report outlined plans for a Good Futures Fund, a charitable vehicle focused on improving the life chances of young people, drawing on voluntary contributions from GGF recipients and partners.

Investment & Resources: GMCA Revenue Update Quarter 3 2025/26

Councillor David Molyneux, Portfolio Lead for Investment & Resources, was set to present an update on the GMCA's financial position at the end of December 2025 (Quarter 3) and the forecast revenue outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. This report would inform members of the financial position across GMCA General, Mayoral, GM Fire and Rescue, Waste and Resources, and Transport budgets.

2026/27 GMCA Capital Strategy

Councillor David Molyneux, Portfolio Lead for Resources & Investment, was also scheduled to present the 2026/27 GMCA Capital Strategy. This strategy sets out the overarching principles and processes for prioritising capital and investment decisions against the key aims of the Greater Manchester Strategy (GMS). It also considers funding implications, borrowing requirements, and treasury management strategies, including the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy 2026/27

This report, also presented by Councillor David Molyneux and Steve Wilson, Group Chief Finance Officer, detailed the proposed Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Borrowing Limits, and Prudential Indicators for 2026/27 to 2028/29. It reflected the 2025-2029 capital programme for Transport, Economic Development, Fire and Rescue, Waste, and Police services. The report included forecasts for interest rates and outlined the borrowing strategy, policy on borrowing in advance of need, debt rescheduling, investment strategy, creditworthiness policy, and the policy on the use of external service providers.

Greater Manchester's Support for Local Government Finance

This report, presented by Councillor David Molyneux and Steve Wilson, aimed to inform GMCA members on work undertaken to review options for supporting GM authorities facing significant financial challenges. It built upon the work done during the setting of the 2026/27 GMCA budgets and proposed further steps to support local authorities operating under the government's exceptional financial support regime. The report sought approval for the principle of providing interest-free loans to GM Local Authorities (LAs) if they become subject to Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) capitalisation directions.

Equalities & Communities: Approval of the VCFSE Accord Refresh

Councillor Arooj Shah, Portfolio Lead for Equalities & Communities, was set to present an updated Greater Manchester VCFSE Accord 2026-2035 for approval. This strategic document, developed through extensive engagement with VCFSE organisations, local authorities, GMCA, and NHS GM, outlines a shared vision, mission, beliefs, values, and behaviours for collaboration. It details commitments across three key priorities: Involve & Devolve, Resource & Enable, and Recognise & Value, aiming to strengthen the VCFSE ecosystem and its contribution to Greater Manchester's goals.

A Great Place to do Business: Economy, Business & International Programmes & Projects 2026/7

This report, presented by Councillor Bev Craig and Tom Stannard, detailed the proposed programmes and projects under the Economy, Business & International portfolio for the 2026/27 financial year. These initiatives are considered essential for delivering the 'a great place to do business' workstream of the GMS and supporting other workstreams. Proposed programmes included Local Authority ED&R Flexible Grant Funding, Build A Business in GM Libraries, Made Smarter Adoption North West, Care Smarter Pilot, Innovation Navigator, GM Colleges Innovation Connector Network, Support for the Social Economy, GM Good Employment Charter, Access to Innovation Capital, International Promotion and Inward Investment, and Business Growth initiatives.

Year One Prioritisation of Creative Places Growth Funding to support delivery of the Greater Manchester Creative Industries Sector Development Plan

Councillor Bev Craig and Tom Stannard were also scheduled to present on the Year One prioritisation of Creative Places Growth funding. This report focused on supporting the delivery of the Greater Manchester Creative Industries Sector Development Plan, with a particular emphasis on screen and music as priority subsectors. It outlined plans for the launch of a £10.5m Greater Manchester Production Fund, the development of a Greater Manchester Screen Office, and associated development funds.

Greater Manchester Culture Fund Awards 2026 - 29

Councillor Neil Emmott, Portfolio Lead for Culture, was set to present the proposed GMCA Cultural Investment approach for 2026-29. This included recommendations for organisations to be funded under the 'Spirit' and 'Sustain' strands of investment, with further details provided in a confidential report. The proposed budget for this investment was £5.05m per annum, comprising District Contributions and Retained Business Rates.

Proposed Oldham Town Centre Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC): Approval to Consult

This report sought approval to consult on the establishment of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) in Oldham, which would act as the delivery vehicle for regeneration in the area. The report detailed the statutory process for designating a Mayoral Development Area and establishing an MDC, and recommended endorsing the Mayor's undertaking of a consultation exercise.

Proposed Ashton and Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC): Approval to Consult

Similarly, this report sought approval to consult on the establishment of an MDC for Ashton and Stalybridge. The proposal aimed to create the country's first exemplar of transport-led regeneration, building on existing work in Ashton. The report outlined the statutory process for designation and recommended the Mayor undertake a consultation exercise.

Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation: Approval to Consult

This report sought approval to consult on the establishment of an MDC for Middleton. The proposal aimed to enable the MDC to become the delivery vehicle for regeneration in the area, with a focus on cooperative principles. The report detailed the statutory process for designation and recommended the Mayor undertake a consultation exercise.

In Principle Approval of the Establishment of a Leigh Mayoral Development Zone

Councillor Bev Craig and Tom Stannard were scheduled to present a report seeking in-principle approval for the establishment of a Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ) in Leigh. This would focus on key strategic interventions including the development of a health and social care campus and the appraisal of rapid transport connectivity options.

Approval of Proposed Allocation and Administration Arrangements for GMCA's Homelessness and Migration budget for 2026-2029

Mayor Paul Dennett, Portfolio Lead for Housing First, was set to present a report seeking approval for the allocation and administration of GMCA's Homelessness and Migration budget for 2026-2029. This represented a significant investment aimed at preventing homelessness and rough sleeping, with a substantial portion flowing to local authority budgets. The report detailed proposed funding allocations for various programmes, including Temporary Accommodation, Homelessness Prevention, Refugee Welcome, Housing First, and Rough Sleeping initiatives.

Key Findings of the 2025 #Bee Well 2025 Survey Results

Councillor Mark Roberts, Portfolio Lead for Children and Young People, was scheduled to present the key findings of the 2025 #BeeWell survey. This survey, which has collected data from over 143,000 young people across Greater Manchester over five academic years, focuses on wellbeing, community connection, school belonging, and preparedness for life. The report aimed to highlight trends, inequalities, and areas for action to improve the experiences of young people.

Progress update on the Ambition to position Greater Manchester as an AI Demonstrator City Region and the Establishment a GM Data Unit

Councillor Nick Peel, Portfolio Lead for Digital City Region, was set to provide an update on Greater Manchester's ambition to become an AI Demonstrator City Region. The report outlined progress in establishing an AI and Digital Innovation Office (ADIO) and proposed the establishment of a GM Data Unit to provide system leadership on data integration and complement the work of the Joint Data Collaborative. It also updated on the development of AI.GM as an overarching entity.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

Certain items on the agenda were scheduled to be discussed with the press and public excluded, on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund March Allocations (Part A and Part B)

This report, presented by Councillor David Molyneux, City Mayor Paul Dennett, and Councillor Bev Craig, detailed the next phase of investment through the GGF, including proposed March 2026 allocations for strategic housing schemes, transport interventions, and innovation assets. The confidential Part B of the report would contain further details on loan terms and guarantees.

GMCA Culture Fund Awards 2026 - 29

Councillor Neil Emmott, Portfolio Lead for Culture, was scheduled to present the proposed GMCA Cultural Investment approach for 2026-29, including recommendations for organisations to be funded under the 'Spirit' and 'Sustain' strands.

Proposed Ashton and Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC): Approval to Consult

This report sought approval to consult on the establishment of an MDC for Ashton and Stalybridge, aiming to create an exemplar of transport-led regeneration.

Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation: Approval to Consult

This report sought approval to consult on the establishment of an MDC for Middleton, aiming to become the delivery vehicle for regeneration in the area.

In Principle Approval of the Establishment of a Leigh Mayoral Development Zone

This report sought approval in principle for the establishment of an MDZ in Leigh, focusing on key strategic interventions such as a health and social care campus and improved transport connectivity.

The meeting also included the approval of minutes from previous GMCA, Overview & Scrutiny, Audit, Waste & Recycling, and Bee Network Committee meetings.