The Greater Manchester Housing First, Planning and Infrastructure Commission is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 28 October 2026. The meeting's agenda includes updates on strategic infrastructure, flood risk management, and progress on Housing First initiatives and homelessness prevention. Discussions are also planned regarding strategic planning, including national policy, the Greater Manchester Spatial Development Strategy, and the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan.

Strategic Infrastructure Board Update

The Commission is set to receive an update on the Greater Manchester Strategic Infrastructure Board's activities. This update will cover key outcomes from the Board's meeting on 14 October 2026, focusing on the Greater Manchester Infrastructure Plan and Integrated Pipeline, collaborative street works, energy and heat-network governance, water reform, social value, and climate adaptation. The Board's immediate priority is to transition from strategic coordination to delivery, aiming to establish a unified growth and infrastructure evidence base. The report will also detail agreed actions and the delivery focus for the coming period, including the development of the Infrastructure Plan and Integrated Pipeline, and progress on collaborative street works.

Flood Risk Management Update

A briefing on the financial position of the North West Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management programme is scheduled, with a specific focus on Greater Manchester's allocation of Flood Defence Grant in Aid (GiA). The report indicates that the North West has a substantial indicative GiA allocation for 2027/28. Greater Manchester's allocation is noted as being well-balanced between committed construction and scheme development. The report will also detail the current North West budget position, highlighting a potential underspend in the region while Greater Manchester forecasts expenditure above its allocation, suggesting a strong case for retaining delivery-ready Greater Manchester schemes. The status of Local Levy balances and proposed increases to contributions will also be discussed.

Housing First and Homelessness Updates

The Commission will receive updates on Housing First initiatives and the broader issue of homelessness. A presentation on Housing First will cover the approach to creating healthy homes for all, with aims to build new, energy-efficient social homes, improve standards for renters, and reduce the number of people in temporary accommodation. The challenges facing Housing First, including unsafe housing conditions and market pressures on vacant homes, will be outlined.

Furthermore, an update on the GMCA Homelessness Team will be presented, detailing their work across three key thematic areas: Rough Sleeping, Temporary Accommodation, and Homelessness Prevention. This will include information on current trends in rough sleeping and temporary accommodation, as well as key programmes such as 'A Bed Every Night' and the GM Temporary Accommodation Empty Homes Programme. The Greater Manchester Homelessness Prevention Strategy 2021-2026 and its mission-based approach will also be reviewed.

Strategic Planning Update

Discussions are scheduled regarding strategic planning, encompassing national policy, the Greater Manchester Spatial Development Strategy (GM SDS), and the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan. The report will cover the recently revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), noting its increased support for development and specific emphasis on areas near high-frequency transport infrastructure. The progress of the GM SDS, a high-level strategic spatial plan required to guide growth and environmental enhancement for at least 25 years, will be detailed. The Commission will also be updated on the preparation of a single Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan, which will replace outdated existing plans and provide a framework for deciding where minerals and waste development should occur. The new plan-making system, including consultation stages and gateway assessments, will be outlined.