The Executive of Manchester Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026, approving significant changes to the city's fostering services and the delegation of executive functions. Key decisions also included the approval of a compulsory purchase order for land in Moss Side to facilitate affordable housing development and an increase in fixed penalty notice fines for fly-tipping.

End to End Fostering Report

The Executive agreed to transition from the current Greater Manchester (GM) recruitment-focused fostering hub to a fully integrated End-to-End (E2E) Fostering Hub, hosted by Rochdale Borough Council. This move aims to create a more streamlined and consistent approach across the entire fostering journey, from recruitment to assessment, approval, and ongoing support for foster carers. Manchester's financial contribution for 2026/27 will be £242,818, comprising £45,000 cash and approximately £197,000 in staffing contributions, rising to £742,238 in 2027/28. Proposed changes to governance and local decision-making arrangements were also agreed.

Delegation of Executive Functions

The Executive noted and endorsed the decision of the Leader of the Council, Councillor Garry Bridges, to delegate all executive functions to the Executive and to council officers as outlined in the Council's May 2026 Constitution. This ensures a clear framework for decision-making and operational responsibilities.

Revenue Monitoring Report (P4) 2026/27

The Executive noted the projected revenue outturn position for 2026/27, which indicated an overspend of £7.4 million. This overspend is attributed to pressures in Adult Social Care, Neighbourhoods, and Growth and Development directorates, alongside underachievement in income from advertising and markets. The Executive approved several budget virements, the use of contingency and inflationary budgets, and the allocation of additional revenue grants across various services. Significant grant funding was approved for initiatives such as the Live Well programme, inclusion grants for children's services, supported housing programmes, and employment and skills initiatives.

Capital Programme Monitoring (P4) 2026/27

The Executive reviewed the progress of the Council's capital programme to the end of July 2026. The latest forecast indicated a net underspend of £0.2 million against the programme. Several capital budget changes were approved, including significant investments in homelessness accommodation projects in Moss Side, structural repairs to the Arndale Car Park, and funding for High Needs Capital Grants for children and young people with SEND. An increase in capital budget for the A62 Oldham Road Improving Journeys project was also approved.

Best Start for Life and Healthy Babies Family Hub Programme

An update was provided on the progress of Manchester's Early Intervention and Prevention Services and the implementation of an integrated neighbourhood model. The Best Start in Life Family Hub Programme is on track for full implementation by October 2026, establishing a citywide network of Family Hubs and Centres to provide accessible support for children and families. This programme aims to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities, and strengthen community resilience.

End to End Fostering Report

The Executive agreed to transition to a Greater Manchester (GM) End-to-End Fostering Hub, hosted by Rochdale Borough Council. This initiative aims to create a more integrated and consistent approach to fostering recruitment, assessment, approval, and support. Manchester's financial contribution for 2026/27 is £242,818, with a further £742,238 for 2027/28. Changes to governance and local decision-making arrangements were also approved.

Acquisition of Land and Buildings via Compulsory Purchase Order - 119-119A Raby Street

The Executive approved a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for 119 and 119a Raby Street in Moss Side. This action is necessary to acquire the land required for the development of 212 new affordable residential dwellings and community space, as the property is derelict and blighted. Mosscare St Vincent's Housing Group (MSV) has agreed to fully indemnify the Council against all costs associated with the CPO. Authority was delegated to relevant officers to make, seal, and progress the CPO.

Integrated Settlement Employment and Skills Programmes

The Executive approved Manchester City Council receiving £12,822,178 in Integrated Settlement funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) for employment and skills programmes between 2027 and 2029. This funding will support the Our Manchester Strategy by expanding existing successful programmes and introducing new initiatives focused on worklessness, disability inclusion, and community-based employment support. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director for Growth and Development to manage the application and award of this funding.

Termination of Section 75 Partnership Agreement with Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust (GMMH)

The Executive approved the planned termination of the Section 75 Partnership Agreement and associated NHS Contract for Services with GMMH, effective from 30 September 2026. This will return delegated statutory Care Act 2014 functions and duties to Manchester City Council's Adult Social Care Directorate from 1 October 2026, with the TUPE transfer of 93 staff. The decision is mutually agreed and aims to improve accountability and service quality. The financial allocation for this repatriation was noted.

Adult Social Care CQC Assessment Findings and Directorate Response

The Executive formally acknowledged the successful outcome of Manchester's Adult Social Care Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment, which resulted in an overall rating of Good with a score of 73%, making it the highest-rated Core City authority in England. The Executive endorsed the refreshed Achieving Better Outcomes Together (ABOT) programme as the Directorate's improvement and transformation framework for 2026-2028, aiming to progress towards an Outstanding rating.

Adult Social Care - Unpaid Carers Strategy 2026 – 2029

The Executive approved and adopted the Unpaid Carers Strategy 2026-2029. This co-produced strategy sets out a framework for improving outcomes for unpaid carers in Manchester, focusing on recognition, access to support, respite, wellbeing, financial assistance, systemic change, peer support, and future planning. The strategy aligns with national policy and local priorities, aiming to create a city where carers are valued and supported.

Strengthening Fly-tipping Enforcement Through Increased Fixed Penalty Notice Fines

The Executive agreed to increase the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for fly-tipping offences under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to the statutory maximum of £1,000. A reduced payment of £700 will be available for early payment within 10 days. This measure aims to strengthen the deterrent effect against fly-tipping.

Homelessness Commissioning Update: Grant Funded Contracts

The Executive noted the report providing an overview of homelessness commissioning activities funded by MHCLG/GMCA grants. This includes updates on A Bed Every Night (ABEN), Community Accommodation Service Tier 3 (CAS3), Targeted Supported Housing Support Services (TSHSS), and plans for the new national Rough Sleeping Programme. These initiatives aim to prevent and reduce rough sleeping by providing accommodation and support services.

Housing Repairs Insourcing and Recommissioning (Part A)

The Executive noted the proposal to establish a combined insourcing and recommissioning model for housing repairs and maintenance services. This involves bringing the principal operational elements of the service under direct Council management, branded as 'Manchester City Works', while recommissioning specialist functions. This aims to improve operational control, accountability, and service quality, with a projected reduction in annual operating costs.

Housing Repairs Insourcing and Recommissioning (Part B)

Following on from Part A, the Executive agreed to establish 'Manchester City Works' as the internal property service for housing repairs and maintenance. They also agreed to recommission specialist managed services through externally procured contracts. The Council's policy of no compulsory redundancies and commitment to staff training and development were noted.

Our Manchester Progress Update

The Executive received an update on key areas of progress against the Our Manchester Strategy 2025-35. Highlights included the return of Sunday opening for libraries, the opening of St Catherine's Wood as part of the Victoria North regeneration, the completion of affordable homes through Project 500, the return of free council-organised fireworks events, and ongoing cost-of-living support initiatives. The Best of Manchester Awards nominees were also celebrated.

Exclusion of Press and Public

This item was considered in private.