The authority derives most of its powers from the Local Government Act 2000 and Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009,[3] and replaced a range of single-purpose joint boards and quangos to provide a formal administrative authority for Greater Manchester for the first time since the abolition of Greater Manchester County Council in 1986.
It is a strategic authority with powers over public transport, skills, housing, regeneration, waste management, carbon neutrality and planning permission.
The county council was abolished in 1986 as a result of the Local Government Act 1985, effectively making the 10 metropolitan boroughs unitary authority areas.
[4] Following a bid from AGMA highlighting the potential benefits in combatting the financial crisis of 2007–2008, it was announced in the 2009 United Kingdom Budget that Greater Manchester and the Leeds City Region would be awarded Statutory City Region Pilot status, allowing (if they desired) for their constituent district councils to pool resources and become statutory combined authorities with powers comparable to the Greater London Authority.
[6] The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, passed with reference to the 2009 United Kingdom Budget, enabled the creation of a combined authority for Greater Manchester with devolved powers on public transport, skills, housing, regeneration, waste management, carbon neutrality and planning permission, pending approval from the 10 councils.
[5][7] Between late-2009 and February 2010, AGMA debated the constitution and functions of the new combined authority, including matters such as name, voting system and remit.
[4] Consultations made with district councils in March 2010 recommended that all GMCA matters requiring a vote would be decided on via a majority rule system involving 10 members appointed from among the councillors of the 10 metropolitan boroughs (one representing each borough of Greater Manchester with each council also nominating one substitute) without the input of the UK's central government.
[9][10][11] On 16 November 2010, the Department for Communities and Local Government announced that it had accepted the combined authority proposal and that an order to establish the GMCA would be laid before Parliament.
[14] The GMCA sought provision for a further transfer of powers that would result in an additional delegation of authority from the UK's central government.
[20] The GMCA was praised in November 2012 as a model for other city regions by Sir Howard Bernstein[21] and Michael Heseltine,[22] for its economic benefits.
The GMCA has produced a joint strategic plan for Greater Manchester (excluding Stockport) called Places for Everyone, which includes land allocation for housing, infrastructure and other development.
In March 2023, the GMCA agreed a significant "trailblazer" devolution deal with the UK Government, securing new responsibilities over transport, housing, and regeneration.
As part of this deal, it was agreed that Greater Manchester would be granted a single funding settlement, similar to that of Scotland and Wales.
The Mayor is the GMCA's chairperson, and a member of the second and third largest political groups on the authority, if applicable, are automatically appointed as vice-chairs.
GMFRS is the statutory emergency fire and rescue service for Greater Manchester and covers an area of approximately 496 square miles.
[41][42] Colour key (for political parties): Conservative Labour Liberal Democrats Current office holders are highlighted in bold.