The Greater Manchester Housing First, Planning and Infrastructure Commission met on Wednesday 25 March 2026 to discuss a range of housing and infrastructure initiatives. Key decisions included noting the proposed approach to evaluating a pilot programme for integrated adult social care workers for the homeless, approving the noting of a report on the GM Temporary Accommodation Empty Homes Programme, and agreeing to a communications plan briefing for the Warm Homes Plan.

Pilot Integrated Adult Social Care Workers - Homelessness

The Commission noted the proposed approach to evaluating and learning from a pilot programme designed to integrate Adult Social Care Workers into local authority Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Teams across Greater Manchester. This pilot, funded by a £252,818 uplift to the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant (RSPARG) for 2025-2026, aims to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing long-term rough sleeping and complex needs. The programme will involve embedding five social workers in Bury, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, and Trafford. Members expressed strong support for the proposal, highlighting its value and suggesting consideration be given to making the programme permanent following evaluation. Concerns were raised regarding the risks associated with lone working, the recruitment challenges for fixed-term roles, and the need for effective multi-agency working with mental health services, the NHS, and policing partners. Officers confirmed that existing lone working procedures would be utilised and strengthened, and that the programme aligns with the Live Well agenda by providing enhanced, targeted support. The Commission also agreed that officers would explore through the GM Housing Providers Network how greater accountability across the sector could be supported in relation to the sale of properties.

Housing First: GM Temporary Accommodation Empty Homes Programme

The Commission noted the report on the Housing First: GM Temporary Accommodation Empty Homes Programme, which is set to launch in April 2026. This programme aims to improve value for money and reduce reliance on unsuitable temporary accommodation by bringing empty homes back into use. The report highlighted a 103% increase in temporary accommodation use since 2019, with a significant rise in families in bed and breakfast accommodation for longer than the legal maximum. The programme will involve an £11 million investment to employ 17 Empty Homes officers across Greater Manchester and a lease and repair programme to bring up to 400 empty homes back into use as temporary or settled accommodation. Members welcomed the initiative, acknowledging the positive public perception of such work and requesting further information on projection data and learning networks. They also noted the continued financial pressures on local authority budgets due to temporary accommodation. The Commission agreed that officers would explore through the GM Housing Providers Network how greater accountability across the sector could be supported in relation to the sale of properties.

Warm Homes Plan

The Commission received an update on the Government's Warm Homes Plan and its potential implications for Greater Manchester. The plan includes £15 billion of investment, with £5 billion allocated for low-income households, and aims to support approximately 180,000 new skilled jobs. A new Warm Homes Agency is to be established in 2027, and a Workforce Taskforce will work with the Trade Union Congress. The plan will see the consolidation of the Social Warms Homes Fund and Local Grant Warm Homes Fund into a single low-income capital scheme from 2026/27, with an area-based delivery approach. Greater Manchester is eligible for approximately £17 million in additional funding for 2026/27. The Commission noted the plan's alignment with the Greater Manchester Strategy, supporting heat network zoning, the Future Homes Standard, and job creation. Risks and challenges identified include potential affordability issues for households using loans for heat pumps, skills shortages, and a lack of trust following previous schemes. The Commission agreed to the provision of a communications plan briefing to members, local authority, and health colleagues, and that members would be included in Retrofit Funding Portal communications.

Infrastructure Progress Report

Peter Emery, Chair of the Strategic Infrastructure Board, provided an update on the Board's progress during 2025/26 and its priorities for 2026/27. The Board plays a crucial role in coordinating infrastructure systems across Greater Manchester, including energy, transport, water, and digital infrastructure, and ensuring alignment with the Greater Manchester Strategy Delivery Plan. The report highlighted strengthened engagement with economic regulators and government departments, and the development of operational arrangements to support infrastructure delivery. Areas for future development include reviewing the risk register, capturing lessons learned, improving the reporting of social value, and enhancing data sharing. Priorities for 2026/27 include developing a Greater Manchester Infrastructure Plan, implementing collaborative street works, strengthening governance with energy and water partners, and developing a framework for capturing the benefits of infrastructure investment. The Commission noted the update, the alignment with the Greater Manchester Strategy Delivery Plan, and the Strategic Infrastructure Board's achievements. Members were invited to contact officers with suggestions for future deep dives.