To consider any items which the Chair has agreed to have submitted as urgent.

To consider any appeals from the public against refusal to allow inspection of background documents and/or the inclusion of items in the confidential part of the agenda.

To allow Members an opportunity to [a] declare any personal, prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interests they might have in any items which appear on this agenda; and [b] record any items from which they are precluded from voting as a result of Council Tax/Council rent arrears; [c] the existence and nature of party whipping arrangements in respect of any item to be considered at this meeting. Members with a personal interest should declare that at the start of the item under consideration.  If Members also have a prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interest they must withdraw from the meeting during the consideration of the item.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 3 December 2024.

Report of the Director of City Centre Growth and Infrastructure

This report provides Members with a strategic update on rail infrastructure developments and long-term rail plans. It highlights progress on key programmes such as Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), the Manchester and North West Transformational Programme (MNTP), and ongoing challenges resulting from the cancellation of HS2 Phase 2.

Report of the Strategic Director (Growth and Development)

The Improving Journeys programme, funded by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), aims to improve bus, active travel, and street infrastructure in Manchester. With a budget of £74 million, the programme will address barriers to bus travel such as journey time, reliability, comfort, and safety and access to and from surrounding neighbourhoods. An engagement exercise conducted from 23 September to 20 October 2024 gathered feedback from residents and businesses through surveys and in-person events. The survey received 1,819 responses, highlighting the need for more frequent and reliable buses, safer walking and cycling infrastructure, and better parking options for cars. The feedback will inform the development of the programme, ensuring it meets the needs of the community.

Report of the Head of Network Management

This report sets out the Council’s approach to Road Safety, focussing on Manchester City Council’s new draft Road Safety Strategy.

Report of the Strategic Director (Neighbourhoods)

Large areas of street space and land within the city centre are currently used for private car parking. The amount of parking available is surplus to current and forecast future demand, offering an opportunity to make public realm improvements and implement improved walking and cycling facilities through a gradual reduction of total parking supply. Modelling and analysis is underway to better understand the extent of the parking supply surplus, how this space could be re-allocated for other uses that benefit residents while supporting local businesses, and to develop a strategic approach to parking management particularly in the city centre.

Report of the Governance and Scrutiny Support Unit

This report provides the Committee with details of key decisions that fall within the Committee’s remit and an update on actions resulting from the Committee’s recommendations. The report also includes the Committee’s work programme, which the Committee is asked to amend as appropriate and agree.