Decision details

Clean Air Local Authority update

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To set 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 (OBC), and the implications of pandemic management policies (the extent of which are not yet fully understood) for the 10 Greater Manchester (GM) local authorities in relation to the schedule of work and statutory consultation on the Clean Air Plan and the link to taxi and private hire common minimum licensing standards (MLS).

Decision:

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.

Alternative options considered:

None.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None.

Reason Key: Affects 2 or more wards;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Equality and/or Environmental Impact Assessment: Yes

Decision Reference: CAB236

Declarations or conflicts of Interest: None.

Forward Plan Reference: SS9

Other reasons / organisations consulted

scrutiny cabinet

Contact: Mark Glynn, Director of Place Management Email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk Tel: 0161-474-3700.

Report author: Emily Brough

Publication date: 29/07/2020

Date of decision: 28/07/2020

Decided at meeting: 28/07/2020 - Cabinet

Effective from: 05/08/2020

Accompanying Documents: