The Cabinet has considered the Clean Air Local Authority update setting out the progress that has been made following the Government’s response to Greater Manchester’s Outline Business Case to tackle Nitrogen Dioxide Exceedances at the Roadside, and has:-
· Noted the progress of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan;
· Noted the progress in the development of the Clean Commercial Vehicle and Hardship funds;
· Noted the initial funding award of £41m for clean vehicle funds to award grants or loans to eligible businesses;
· Noted the Government has accepted the need for vehicle replacement funds for Hackney Carriages, and Light Goods Vehicles, but has requested further development of shared evidence on the needs within that complex sector before responding and does not support the sustainable journeys measure.
· Noted that TfGM is seeking confirmation that the funding award for Bus Retrofit is a continuation of Clean Bus Technology Funds to be distributed as soon as possible as per previous arrangements;
· Noted the government will not support electric vehicle charging infrastructure through Clean Air monies but have committed to work with GM on securing funding from OLEV;
· Agreed the position that the GM Local Authorities will move to a statutory public consultation on the GM Clean Air Plan as soon as reasonably practicable;
· Further agreed the position that the GM Local Authorities’ decision to commence a public consultation should be taken once there is a clear timeframe for exiting lockdown and moving to the next phase of the COVID-19 response;
· Noted the implementation of a GM CAZ is delayed to 2022 with a revised implementation date to be confirmed in the consultation commencement report;
· Noted the DfT’s positioning paper “Decarbonising Transport – Setting the Challenge”;
· Noted the assessment of the possible impacts of COVID-19 to inform a technical briefing note for decision makers; and
· Noted that the GM local Authorities intend to consult on GM’s proposed MLS, alongside the Clean Air Plan consultation and agree the position for consultation, on when taxi/PHV fleets should be Zero Emission Capable.