Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Greater Manchester Mayor.

This report has been included on the agenda at the request of Committee Members.

The report sets out the findings of a review of GMCA governance and proposed changes in light of that review. The report was considered by the GMCA on 27 April 2018.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to note the report.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Policy & Devolution submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider proposals from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on possible changes to its governance arrangements, particularly in light of changes to the powers and duties of the GMCA and the Mayor around Fire and Waste functions and the disestablishment of joint authorities in Greater Manchester. The GMCA had already considered some elements of the report but further discussion would take place at the June meeting and the Scrutiny Committee was invited to comment before further decisions were taken.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Significant improvements could be made to GMCA Governance by improving the information and accuracy of their Forward Plan. This was reflective of a wider cultural shift needed in the organisation.

·         There remained issues with gender and political balance at the highest level of the GMCA, which was all Labour and male. Nevertheless there had been some welcome progress with these issues on the scrutiny committees. In response, the Leader stated that he expected the Mayor to introduce measures for deputy portfolio holders at the GMCA that would provide gender balance.

·         Specifically in relation to TfGM, a number of councillors expressed concerns about the current arrangements and its effectiveness and responsiveness, particularly in light of current problems on the railways. Concerns were also expressed that it was too Manchester City centric and members exercised too little control over its activities. Comment was also made that there were a number of different elements to transport policy and it was not clear how this all came together. Such as bus deregulation (Mayoral function) and a possible Strategic Transport Board. The more direct involvement of local authority cabinet members with transport responsibilities was supported.

·         There were general comments about the potential democratic deficit of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and the Mayor, as unlike the Greater London arrangements there was no accountability of the Mayor to any other elected members, as there was with the London Assembly. The role of councillors from constituent councils was also minimal, and particular reference was made to independent councillors who had no formal mechanisms for involvement with Greater Manchester structures.

·         The disestablishment of joint authorities and their replacement with advisory bodies was unlike to generate as much enthusiasm from local authority members. There had been difficulties in ensuring sufficient member turnout to make meetings quorate.

·         Many of the GM bodies that involved back bench members from local authorities were often insufficiently focussed on the strategic issues of Greater Manchester and too often meetings focussed on parochial issues.

·         There was support for webcasting more, if not all, GM meetings to improve transparency and openness.

·         Concerns were expressed about suggestion of additional allowances for GM committee membership.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted.

Report of Andy Burnham, GM Mayor.