Councillor Howard Sykes as welcomed the recent re-think about the Clean Air Zone and called for this on 11 January.

Burnham must keep his promises: clean air and no job losses | Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

Below is a statement about the matter from TfGM which is posted in full.

“GM Clean Air Plan – latest position Further to last week’s update, a press release has been issued to update on the recommendation going to the Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee next week on 20 January. The press release can be read in full.

https://cleanairgm.com/news/emerging-evidence-about-vehicle-supply-chain-highlights-need-for-government/

The report going to the Committee will be published

https://democracy.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=409&MId=4782&Ver=4

In summary, emerging evidence from businesses and trade has highlighted significant challenges related to supply chain issues and inflation. Based on this evidence, there is a fundamental concern that these global and national factors may impact on the ability of local businesses and individuals to upgrade, and whether the current financial support package agreed with government is sufficient.

The Committee will therefore be recommended to seek permission from the Secretary of State to pause opening of phase two Clean Air funding support at the end of January 2022 – which was due to open for vans, and GM-licensed taxis and private hire vehicles.

This is to enable an urgent and fundamental joint policy review with government to identify how a revised policy can be agreed to deal with the supply issues and local businesses’ ability to comply with the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan.

The report confirms that the first phase of the Clean Air Zone due to launch in May 2022 – applying to buses, coaches, HGVs and taxi and Private Hire vehicles which are not registered in Greater Manchester – should go ahead, including the ongoing provision of funding support for HGVs and buses to upgrade. Ahead of the press release, a statement from Eamonn Boylan was issued which you can read here. An update will follow on latest status following the Committee meeting.”