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Greater Manchester Combined Authority - Friday, 25th September, 2026 10.30 am
September 25, 2026 at 10:30 am Greater Manchester Combined Authority View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) met on Friday 25 September 2026 to discuss a range of significant issues, including the allocation of funding for the Good Growth Fund and the appointment of an interim chief executive. Key decisions included the approval of significant investments through the Good Growth Fund, totalling £151.15 million, aimed at boosting transport infrastructure, city centre densification, innovation, and social and affordable housing. The meeting also formalised the appointment of Andrew Lightfoot as the Interim Group Chief Executive Officer.
Good Growth Fund Allocations
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) approved significant funding allocations through the Good Growth Fund (GGF), totalling £151.15 million. This investment is earmarked for four key areas: transport infrastructure, city densification, innovation, and social and affordable housing.
The transport infrastructure projects will receive £52.7 million, intended to unlock four transformational growth projects across Greater Manchester. City densification initiatives will benefit from £49.8 million, supporting the delivery of 729 new homes. The innovation sector will receive £25.69 million for three key projects, aiming to foster growth in the region's frontier sectors. A subsidised loan project will receive £19 million to support the delivery of 60 new homes, while £3.96 million is allocated to social and affordable housing projects, aiming to deliver 144 affordable homes.
Amendments to previously approved GGF allocations were also approved, alongside noting the launch of a new partnership approach with housing providers to support social and affordable housing delivery. The report also highlighted schemes approved under delegated authority and the investment into strategic acquisitions in Ashton Town Centre.
Appointment of Interim Group Chief Executive
Andrew Lightfoot was formally appointed as the Interim Group Chief Executive Officer for the GMCA, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). This appointment, effective from 28 August 2026, aims to ensure continuity of leadership during a period of organisational transition. Lightfoot will also serve as the statutory Head of Paid Service for the GMCA, the Combined Authority Returning Officer for elections, and the Director General of TfGM. His remuneration will be within the previously approved range of £220k to £250k, currently set at £262k due to pay awards.
Appointments to Greater Manchester Bodies
Several appointments and nominations to various Greater Manchester bodies were approved and noted. These included appointments to the GMCA Waste & Recycling Committee, the Bee Network Committee, the GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committee, the Culture & Social Impact Fund Committee, the GM Green City Region Board, the GMCA Children's Board, the GM Air Quality Administration Committee, the GM Clean Air Scrutiny Committee, the Police, Crime & Fire Panel, the Police, Crime & Fire Steering Group, and the GM Integrated Care Partnership Board. Notably, Councillor Arooj Shah and Councillor Elaine Taylor were appointed to the GMCA, and Councillor Abdul Jabbar was appointed to the GMCA Waste & Recycling Committee. Councillor Tom Ross and Councillor Garry Bridges were appointed to the Bee Network Committee.
Mayoral Development Corporations
The GMCA approved the designation of Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs) in Oldham, Ashton & Stalybridge, and Middleton. The designation of the Middleton MDC is subject to endorsement by Rochdale Council. The designation of the Bolton MDC is subject to endorsement by Bolton Council.
- Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation: The consultation showed strong support, with 83.43% agreeing with its creation. The MDC will focus on health, sport science, and innovation within the SportsTown masterplan, alongside town centre regeneration.
- Ashton & Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation: This MDC aims to support transport-led regeneration, with proposals for around 3,000 new homes and significant regeneration benefits across Tameside. Consultation showed 61.34% agreement with its creation.
- Middleton Co-operative Mayoral Development Corporation: This MDC will focus on bringing forward new development, including approximately 1,500 new homes, and strengthening the town's commercial and leisure offer, underpinned by co-operative principles. The consultation indicated strong support, with 91.41% agreeing with its creation.
The designation of these MDCs is subject to endorsement by the respective local councils and will involve publicising the designation and notifying the Secretary of State.
Transport and Net Zero
Progress was noted in delivering Greater Manchester's commitment to a greener, fairer city-region, including the transition towards a fully integrated, zero-emission public transport system by 2030. A preferred supplier was selected for a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement to provide renewable energy for the Metrolink network, acting as a pathfinder for future clean energy arrangements. Continued progress in decarbonising the Bee Network bus fleet through the franchised network was also highlighted. These measures support Greater Manchester's carbon neutrality commitment by 2038.
Transport Pipeline Funding Allocations
The GMCA approved the consolidation of revenue funding to support future scheme development within the transport infrastructure pipeline. Additionally, approximately £60 million in capital headroom from the Highways Portfolio was allocated to the 10 local authorities for highways maintenance. Further, £1.5 million in unallocated Active Travel funding was approved to support programmes including School Streets, Active Travel Remedial Works, Secure Cycle Parking, and Crossings.
Financial Updates
The GMCA received updates on the capital outturn for 2025/26, which showed actual expenditure of £497.6 million against a forecast of £585.9 million. A capital update for Quarter 1 of 2026/27 was also presented, forecasting expenditure of £968.8 million against a budget of £1,106.8 million. Several additions to the capital programme were approved across the Investment, Environment, Regional Care Cooperative Accommodation, Digital, Education, Work and Skills, and Waste and Resources teams.
Revenue outturn positions for 2025/26 across GMCA General, Mayoral General, GM Fire & Rescue, Waste and Resources, and Transport (including TfGM) were reported as breakeven after transfers to/from earmarked reserves. A revenue update for Quarter 1 of 2026/27 was also noted, indicating a forecast breakeven position for the year.
The Annual Treasury Management Review for 2025/26 was approved, confirming compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements and the Authority's prudent borrowing strategy.
Rough Sleeping Funding
The GMCA noted the national funding programme's adoption of the 'A Bed Every Night' approach to tackling rough sleeping. Funding allocations for 2026/27 were noted, totalling £16.95 million for Greater Manchester (£6.1 million for Phase 1 and £10.85 million provisionally for Phase 2). The establishment of a Task and Finish Group to design and mobilise the Rough Sleeping Programme from 2027 onwards was also noted, with a commitment to strong local authority engagement. The commitment to tackling rough sleeping was reaffirmed.
Greater Manchester Innovation Plan
The final version of the Greater Manchester Innovation Plan (GMIP) was approved for publication. This ten-year plan aims to establish Greater Manchester as a globally significant centre for sustainable, inclusive innovation and investment, building on its existing strengths in frontier sectors. The plan emphasises collaboration between businesses, universities, and local government, and seeks to ensure that the benefits of innovation are shared across all communities.
Greater Manchester International Strategy Delivery Plan
The Greater Manchester International Strategy Delivery Plan Overview 2026–2028 was approved and endorsed. This plan will guide the city-region's international activity, focusing on four themes: Growth Opportunities, Global Profile, Knowledge Exchange, and Civic & Community Engagement, to support economic growth, strengthen global influence, and create social value.
The meeting also noted the appointment of Andrew Lightfoot as Interim Group Chief Executive Officer and approved various appointments to Greater Manchester bodies.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Bolton Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation Outcome - Approval to Designate
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority decided to approve the designation of a Mayoral Development Area in Bolton. This decision was made on 25 September 2026. The approval is subject to Bolton Council endorsing the proposal.
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Good Growth Fund Allocations
Recommendations Approved -
GMCA Resources Committee - 28 August 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority Resources Committee decided on 28 August 2026 to endorse the rationale for appointing an Interim Group Chief Executive. The committee recommended the Greater Manchester Combined Authority appoint the Deputy Group Chief Executive to this role from 28 August 2026. Authority was delegated to the Director of People Services, in consultation with the Mayor, to finalise interim appointment arrangements.
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Revenue Update Quarter 1 - 2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved recommendations on 25/09/2026. The authority noted the forecast revenue position for Quarter 1 of the 2026/27 financial year.
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Annual Treasury Management Review 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved the Annual Treasury Management Review for 2025/26 on 25 September 2026. The review confirmed compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements for treasury management activities during the 2025/26 financial year.
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Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation Outcome - Approval to Designate
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority decided to approve the designation of a Mayoral Development Area in Oldham on 25 September 2026. This decision followed a consultation on proposals to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation for the area. The approval includes publicising the designation and notifying the Secretary of State of the name "Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation".
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Ashton & Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation Outcome - Approval to Designate
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved the designation of a Mayoral Development Area in Ashton & Stalybridge on 25 September 2026. The Mayor will publicise the designation and notify the Secretary of State of the name "Ashton & Stalybridge Mayoral Development Corporation".
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Declarations of Interest
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved recommendations on 25/09/2026 regarding declarations of interest. The decision included guidance on identifying and declaring personal and prejudicial interests, and the procedures to follow for each.
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Chairs Announcements and Urgent Business
Recommendations ApprovedGreater Manchester Combined Authority announced Portfolio Leaders. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved the recommendations on 25/09/2026.
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Capital Programme Outturn 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority decided to approve the recommendations regarding the Capital Programme Outturn for 2025/26 on 25 September 2026. The authority noted the actual capital expenditure of £497.6m against a forecast of £585.9m.
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GMCA Minutes - 10 July 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority, on 25 September 2026, approved recommendations. This decision related to variations to the Group Chief Executive Officer's contract to remove Combined Authority Returning Officer responsibilities.
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Greater Manchester Local Innovation Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved the Greater Manchester Local Innovation Plan on 25 September 2026. The plan sets out the region's strategy for innovation and its contribution to economic growth.
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Apologies
Recommendations ApprovedGreater Manchester Combined Authority received apologies from Councillor Eleanor Wills, Sue Johnson, and Julie Murphy. Councillor Andrew Mclaren, Lee Fallows, and Kuiama Thompson attended as substitutes. Recommendations were approved on 25/09/2026.
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Bee Network Committee - 25 June 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved recommendations on 25 September 2026. The Bee Network Committee noted the current position and progress on the transport infrastructure pipeline. Approvals were given for drawdowns of Integrated Settlement funding, Active Travel funding, and Core Highways Maintenance and Local Highways Maintenance funding, with delegated authority granted for further funding drawdowns.
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Appointment of Interim Group Chief Executive
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved the interim appointment of Andrew Lightfoot as Group Chief Executive. The decision was made on 25 September 2026. Andrew Lightfoot was appointed as Interim Group Chief Executive, statutory Head of Paid Service, Combined Authority Returning Officer, and Director General of TfGM.
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Greater Manchester International Strategy Delivery Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved the Greater Manchester International Strategy Delivery Plan Overview 2026-2028 on 25 September 2026. The plan sets out priorities, a delivery framework, and strategic outcomes to guide Greater Manchester's international activity. It will be used to coordinate and deliver international engagement across themes of growth opportunities, global profile, knowledge exchange, and civic and community engagement.
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Transport & Net Zero
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved recommendations on 25/09/2026. The authority noted progress in delivering a zero-emission public transport system by 2030, the selection of a preferred supplier for a 15-year renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement, and continued decarbonisation of the Bee Network bus fleet. These measures support Greater Manchester's carbon neutrality commitment by 2038.
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Capital Update Quarter 1 2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved additions to its capital programme on 25/09/2026. The approved additions include £2.1m for the Investment team, £50.5m for the Environment team, £0.7m for the Regional Care Cooperative Accommodation Project, £0.7m for the Digital team, £3.0m for the Education, Work and Skills team, and £1.8m for the Waste and Resources team.
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Revenue Outturn 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved the revenue outturn for 2025/26 on 25 September 2026. The decision confirmed a breakeven position for the GMCA General Budget, Mayoral General Budget, GM Fire & Rescue, Waste and Resourcing, and Transport and TfGM budgets after transfers to and from earmarked reserves. The final position is subject to the submission of audited accounts.
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Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation Outcome - Approval to Designate
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved the designation of a Mayoral Development Area in Middleton on 25/09/2026. The decision was made subject to Rochdale Council endorsing the proposal. The Mayor will publicise the designation and notify the Secretary of State of the name "Middleton Co-operative Mayoral Development Corporation".
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Appointments to Greater Manchester Bodies
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved appointments and nominations to various committees and bodies on 25 September 2026. These included approving Councillor Abdul Jabbar as a member and Councillor Ken Rustidge as a substitute member for the GMCA Waste & Recycling Committee. The decision also approved Councillor Rachel Wise to replace Councillor Christine Roberts on the GMCA Overview & Scrutiny Committee.
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GMCA Audit Committee - 22 July 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority Audit Committee decided to approve recommendations on 25 September 2026. The committee noted the appointment of Grenville Page as Chair and the membership for the 2026/27 municipal year. They also approved proposed amendments to the Audit Committee's Terms of Reference to strengthen assurance arrangements with TfGM's Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee.
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Rough Sleeping Funding 2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved recommendations for rough sleeping funding on 25 September 2026. The decision recognised national funding aims, outlined allocations for 2026/27, and noted the establishment of a Task and Finish Group to design future programmes.
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GMCA Waste & Recycling Committee - 22 July 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved recommendations on 25 September 2026. The Waste & Recycling Committee nominated Councillor Alan Quinn as Chair and Councillor Stephen Adshead as Vice Chair for the 2026/27 municipal year. The committee also agreed to appoint Councillor Stephen Adshead to the Green City Region Board and agreed its work programme for 2026/27.
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Exclusion of the Press and Public
Recommendations ApprovedGreater Manchester Combined Authority resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting on 25/09/2026. This decision was made because the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information. The public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.
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Good Growth Fund Allocations - September 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority approved recommendations for the Good Growth Fund on 25 September 2026. The authority approved indicative allocations totalling £147.15 million for transport, city densification, innovation, and social and affordable housing projects. These decisions will support the delivery of 968 new homes and 48,771 square feet of new employment floorspace.
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Transport Pipeline Funding Allocations
Recommendations ApprovedThe Greater Manchester Combined Authority decided to approve recommendations regarding transport pipeline funding allocations on 25 September 2026. The authority approved the consolidation of revenue funding to support future scheme development, allocated approximately £60 million in capital headroom to the 10 Local Authorities for highways maintenance using agreed formulae, and approved the allocation of active travel funding to support the active travel programme.
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