Environment Commission

We prepare and co-ordinate the delivery of strategic plans and projects; work with organisations which impact on GM’s environmental performance; help to co-ordinate and deliver an effective response to climate change; and help to develop a comprehensive city regional sustainable waste management approach.

We provide a forum for the discussion and consultation on environmental matters of common concern and interest.

We also channel views to the Local Government Association, central government and other  bodies and organisations, and provide a means of contact and liaison with institutions of the European Communities, to advance the interests of Greater Manchester in Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Due to the cross-cutting nature of environmental issues, we need strong collaboration with all AGMA Commissions and other organisations

The Commission is one of seven new organisations set up by AGMA through an agreement with the Government which could lead to increasing powers for  the city region.

An impressive range of individuals have been recruited to the Commission. The Commissioners are unpaid for their role, and meet every two months.

Chair: Councillor Dave Goddard (Stockport)

Vice Chair: Lynda Shillaw – Managing Director (Property) Co-operative Group.

Councillors:
Nigel Murphy (Manchester)
Mark Alcock (Odham)
Barrie Holland (Tameside)
Linda Blackburn (Trafford)
David Molyneux (Wigan)

Private and Third Sector Appointments:
Andy Cliffe – Strategy Director, MAG
Keith Davidson – Environment Partner, Pannone
Roger Milburn – Director, Arup
Anne Selby – Chief Executive Officer, Wildlife Trust

Strategic Advisers:
Keith Ashcroft –Director, Environment Agency
David Higham – Regional Director, Government Office North West
Angie Robinson – Chief Executive, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
Ian McAulay – Managing Director of  Capital Programmes, United Utilities plc
Councillor Neil Swannick – Chair, Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority
David Hytch – Information Systems Director, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.
Mary Heaney - Director of Services, MMU

The Commission also has a strategy team of officers led by the Chief Executive of Oldham Council Charlie Parker, supported by Strategic Director Mike Reardon.

The Commission is currently establishing its priorities. There are a host of exciting opportunities and all Commissioners are very committed to delivering environmental quality improvements across the city region.

As part of the Greater Manchester city region pilot, one of two national pilots recently announced by government, a range of projects are being negotiated with national government in the following areas:

- Climate Resilience:
- Low Carbon Energy decision making and capacity
- Retrofit (domestic, commercial and municipal)
- Low carbon transport
- Low carbon economic areas (defined spatial areas in which to pilot joined up delivery).

The terms of reference for the Board are to :-

a) conduct its business and direct its affairs in accordance with any policies and guidelines which may from time to time be jointly agreed by the AGMA Executive and the Commission.

b) work together in order to achieve the promotion or improvement of the economic , environmental and social well being of the Manchester City Region, its people and businesses, through measures and joint actions which the Commission may determine from time to time.

c) work with other appropriate agencies and bodies beyond Greater Manchester in order to achieve the above objective.

d) operate within the regional context of N W England and whatever regional structures and arrangements are in place.

e) provide a forum for the discussion of matters of common concern and interest.

f) to consult and liaise with other bodies or organisations of a public or quasi-public nature exercising functions or carrying out activities which are of importance to the work of the Commission.

g) to provide a forum for consulting with other bodies on issues of common interest.

h) In relation to the promotion and improvement of the Green Infrastructure of Greater Manchester:

• to provide a means for the formulation and expression of joint views to the Local Government Association, central government and other  bodies and organisations in respect of legislation, proposed legislation and other matters of concern, interest or relevance to Greater Manchester.
• to provide a means of contact and liaison with institutions of the European Communities and to advance the interests of Greater Manchester in Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Chair, Councillor Dave Goddard said: "I'm delighted our Environment Commission has a top-class group of senior figures representing all sectors in the Greater Manchester region.
 
"Climate change is the most serious issue facing our communities now and for generations to come. It affects our economy, our lifestyles and our health. It is vital we act now to ensure that we move into the future in a greener, cleaner way, that we pass on a healthier planet to future generations. The new Greater Manchester Environment Commission is an essential vehicle to help us do just that."