The Council meeting scheduled for 23 September 2026 was set to discuss several significant policy motions, including responses to the climate emergency, concerns regarding NHS data handling, and the celebration of women's suffrage. Additionally, the meeting's agenda included the review of minutes from previous meetings and the consideration of various committee proceedings.

Celebrating the 2028 Centenary of Women Securing the Vote

A motion was scheduled to be discussed regarding the celebration of the 2028 centenary of women securing the vote on equal terms with men. The motion noted that the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928 granted women electoral equality, and highlighted Manchester's historical role in the suffrage movement. It also referenced a petition calling for a £10 million fund to commemorate this centenary, which could be used to honour overlooked Mancunian women such as Louise da-Cacodia, Ellen Wilkinson, and Emily Williamson. The Council was to consider resolving to support the petition, publicise it, and ask various organisations and Manchester's MPs to lend their support.

No to Palantir in our NHS

The Council was scheduled to consider a motion expressing concern over Palantir's contract to provide services for the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP). The motion highlighted concerns regarding the processing of sensitive patient information, Palantir's work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Israeli military, and questioned the FDP's cost, benefits, transparency, and potential for supplier dependence. It noted that NHS Greater Manchester had opted for its locally developed Analytics and Data Science Platform (ADSP) instead of the FDP at an Integrated Care Board level. The motion called for the exercise of the February 2027 break clause with Palantir, a pause on further expansion, the safe replacement of existing applications, and the development of NHS-owned or UK-based alternatives. It also called for scrutiny of local data-sharing and the publication of Greater Manchester's assessment of the FDP. The Council was to consider whether to call on NHS England and the Government to exercise the break clause, urge NHS Greater Manchester to continue investing in its ADSP, and ask Greater Manchester NHS trusts to pause further FDP adoption. The Health Scrutiny Committee and Resources and Governance Scrutiny Committee were also to be requested to investigate any Council-controlled information shared with the FDP.

Manchester: Unclean Air Emergency Response

A motion was scheduled to address the need for an Air Quality and Extreme Heat Emergency Response Plan. The motion noted the extreme weather experienced during the summer of 2026, including heatwaves and smoke from wildfires, which had caused significant harm and increased excess deaths and respiratory illnesses. It highlighted the increasing likelihood of such extreme weather events due to climate change and the potential for prevention through effective emergency preparedness. The motion proposed that the Executive consider commissioning the development of such a plan, structured around tiered alert levels aligned with national systems like the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI). The plan would consider measures for health services, education, outdoor workers, home working, and fire prevention. The Council was also to consider asking the Leader to write to government ministers regarding powers to restrict the sale of certain products during high wildfire risk periods and to review the adequacy of the city's air quality monitoring network.

Rejecting the Divisive Policies of Reform UK

The Council was scheduled to discuss a motion rejecting what it termed the divisive policies of Reform UK. The motion noted the core duty of local government to protect public services and champion inclusion, and expressed concern over Reform UK's policy record in other local authorities, citing examples of ideological cuts, attacks on marginalized groups, and divisive culture-war posturing. The motion welcomed Manchester's diversity and its commitment to equity, its work on age-friendliness, and the upcoming Manchester Inclusive City programme. The Council was to consider resolving to convene a cross-party working group, maintain support for local events including Pride, prioritise investment in safeguarding services, and condemn and reject attempts by Reform UK-led councils to restrict inclusion initiatives.

Palestine: Recognition, Action and Standing for Peace

A motion was scheduled to address the situation in Palestine. The motion noted the UK Government's recognition of the State of Palestine and its commitment to a two-state solution, as well as the ongoing suffering in Gaza and the expansion of Israeli settlements. It expressed serious concerns about forced displacement and ethnic cleansing, and referenced findings of a UN inquiry concerning genocide. The Council was to consider resolving to welcome the UK's recognition of Palestine, support continued diplomatic efforts, welcome the ban on trade from illegal Israeli settlements, and support humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The motion also aimed to reaffirm Manchester City Council's opposition to antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, and all forms of hate, and encourage dialogue to promote understanding and community cohesion.

Protect Children's Services from Waste, Fraud and Abuse

The Council was scheduled to consider a motion expressing concern about the high percentage of adult asylum seekers claiming to be children in Manchester. The motion noted a report indicating that 48% of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) referrals in the last financial year were found to be adults. The Council was to consider resolving to condemn adults claiming to be children and recommend that the Executive consider introducing quarterly reporting on UASC numbers, those found to be adults, those given the benefit of the doubt, those with verifiable documentation, and gender breakdowns. It also proposed reviewing current arrangements for reporting cases where age assessments conclude an individual is an adult.

Proceedings of the Executive and Scrutiny Committees

The agenda also included the minutes of the Executive meeting held on 16 September 2026, and the minutes of various Scrutiny Committees, including Neighbourhoods, Environment & Climate Change; Economy; Communities & Equalities; Children & Young People; Health; and Resources & Governance.

Proceedings of Committees and Constitution

The Council was also to submit for approval the minutes of the Audit Committee, Planning Committee, Licensing and Appeals Committee, Personnel Committee, and Constitution and Nominations Committee. A report on the Constitution of the Council and a submission regarding the LGBCE Boundary Review for Manchester were also listed.