Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Name	Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Formation	1 April 2011
Type	Combined authority
Headquarters	Tootal Buildings, Manchester
Region served	Greater Manchester
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Andy Burnham
Leader title2	Chair of the GMCA
Leader name2	Eamonn O'Brien
Website	https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/

Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority is a strategic regional authority established to oversee economic development, transport, and public service reform across the Greater Manchester city region. It was the first such authority created outside London and operates under a devolution deal with the UK government. The authority is led by a directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester and brings together the leaders of the ten constituent metropolitan borough councils.

History

The formation of the authority followed decades of collaboration through bodies like the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities and the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive. Its creation was enabled by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 and it was formally established on 1 April 2011. A significant milestone was the signing of the first Greater Manchester devolution deal in 2014 with Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, which paved the way for the introduction of a directly elected mayor. This devolution agreement, often compared to the Scottish and Welsh models, transferred powers from Whitehall in areas such as transport, housing, and policing.

Governance

The authority's governance is structured around the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the ten council leaders from Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan. The mayor, a position first held by Andy Burnham following the 2017 Greater Manchester mayoral election, holds significant executive powers. The council leaders collectively form the cabinet, with decisions typically requiring a majority vote, including the mayor's support for certain key functions. Key strategic oversight is also provided by the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership.

Powers and functions

The authority exercises a range of powers devolved from central government, notably in transport planning, through control of the Transport for Greater Manchester body. It holds responsibilities for strategic spatial planning and housing investment, and oversees the region's Police and Crime Commissioner functions, which are held by the mayor. Further devolved powers include aspects of adult education, health and social care integration via the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, and control over a multi-year consolidated transport budget. It also leads on major economic initiatives like the Greater Manchester Strategy.

Funding and finance

The authority's funding is derived from a combination of a core central government grant, specific ring-fenced budgets for devolved areas like the Adult Education Budget, and locally generated revenue. A key component is the Gainshare investment fund, established as part of the devolution deal, which provides £30 million annually for 30 years to support economic growth. The mayor has the power to levy a precept on Council Tax bills across Greater Manchester to fund mayoral functions, and the authority can also borrow money for capital projects and issue municipal bonds through the Local Capital Finance Company.

Transport policy

Transport is a major function, with the authority setting the strategy and budget for Transport for Greater Manchester. Key policies have included the introduction of the Metrolink tram network expansion, the development of the Manchester Airport enterprise zone, and the implementation of a region-wide cycling and walking investment plan. The authority is pursuing major rail upgrades like the Northern Hub and has implemented a clean air zone to tackle pollution. It also oversees the Bee Network bus franchising system, a significant re-regulation of bus services aimed at improving integration and reliability.

Economic development

The authority's economic development role is focused on stimulating growth, improving skills, and attracting investment. It oversees enterprise zones such as Manchester Airport City and MediaCityUK in Salford Quays. Key strategies include the Greater Manchester Local Industrial Strategy and initiatives to boost the digital and creative industries. The authority works closely with the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership, universities like the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, and bodies such as the Midlands Engine and Northern Powerhouse to coordinate regional and national economic policy.

Category:Greater Manchester Category:Combined authorities in England Category:Local government in Greater Manchester Category:2011 establishments in England