Guidance

Greater Manchester Combined Authority – Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework 2025 to 2026

Published 8 April 2025

Applies to England

This document sets out the Outcomes Framework for Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Integrated Settlement for Phase I of the Spending Review in 2025/2026. It includes:

• contextual information across the whole Integrated Settlement, including key local and national priorities (including any related national outcomes or targets) which have shaped the development of the outcomes
• outcomes, indicators, and targets, for each pillar

The outcomes, indicators, and targets follow the principles set out in the Integrated Settlement MOU and Annex.

The Outcomes Framework for 2025 to 2026 reflects pragmatic considerations around measuring outcomes in the one-year phase of the Spending Review. The government and Mayoral Combined Authorities will renegotiate all outcomes and targets for financial year 2026 to 2027 (FY26/27) onwards, to ensure that the framework reflects the scope, quantum, and ambition of the multi-year settlement, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding.

Contextual information

National priorities and related outcomes and targets

National Priorities

The outcomes and targets have been agreed with regard to the following national priorities.

National growth mission: Kickstart economic growth to secure the highest sustained growth in the G7 – with good jobs and productivity growth in every part of the country making everyone, not just a few, better off.

Economic growth is the number one mission of the government. Growth will fund our public services, enable investment in our hospitals and schools, and, most importantly, raise living standards for everyone. Through our growth mission, the government will aim for the highest sustained growth in the G7 – with more people in good jobs, higher living standards, and productivity growth in every part of the United Kingdom. Through the 7 pillars of the growth mission, the government is restoring stability, increasing investment, and reforming the economy to drive up productivity, prosperity and living standards across the UK.

The Plan for Change sets out the milestones the government will deliver nationally to support the Growth mission. Two of these milestones have particularly informed the design of the Integrated Settlement’s outcomes and targets.

Higher living standards in every part of the United Kingdom by the end of the Parliament. Government will: - deliver growth by working in partnership with businesses - ensure every nation and region realises its full potential - drive innovation, investment and the adoption of technology to seize the opportunities of a future economy, from AI to net zero - help people get a job, stay in work, and progress in their careers, with good employment opportunities across the country

Building 1.5 million safe and decent homes in England this Parliament, alongside the critical infrastructure that underpins economic growth – with investment today driving future productivity growth and higher living standards. Government will: - work in partnership with local leaders, housebuilders and infrastructure developers to deliver investment into these sectors - increase supply and deliver the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation

In delivering the Integrated Settlement, GMCA will have regard to the government’s growth driving sectors identified in Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy - advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries, creative industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences and professional and business services, as well as skills in the health and construction sectors given their importance for achieving the Plan for Change and notable skills shortages.

Related national outcomes and targets

GMCA will be accountable for delivering the targets set out in this outcomes framework. Where relevant, these local outcomes will contribute to the following national targets:

• Statutory net zero by 2050 target (carbon budgets 4-6)
• Statutory fuel poverty target to ensure that as many fuel poor homes as is reasonably practicable achieve a minimum energy efficiency rating of Band C, by 2030
• 80% employment rate across the UK (Get Britain Working White Paper)
• Creating unified and integrated transport systems, including by delivering improved bus networks, faster and cheaper (manifesto)
• Increase the percentage of short journeys in towns and cities that are walked or cycled to 50% in 2030 and to 55% in 2035 (Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy)
• Fix an additional one million potholes across England in each year of the next parliament (manifesto)
• Transition to electric vehicles through the accelerated roll out of charge points (manifesto)
• Contribute to the targets on concentrations of fine particulate matter, PM2.5 (Environment Act 2021)

Local strategic priorities

• This outcomes framework is designed to align with GM’s local priorities identified in the Greater Manchester Strategy^{[footnote 1]} (GMS) which is currently being refreshed. The GMS is the overarching framework for Greater Manchester’s ambitions over the next ten years. It sets out a clear vision for Greater Manchester, responsive to people and places, tackling inequalities and achieving environmental goals. It is a systemwide document, with the public, private and VCFSE sectors working together to achieve shared outcomes. Underneath the GMS, Greater Manchester is developing a 10-year Delivery Plan, which will set out how the GMS vision will be delivered.
• The GMS is structured around the following priority areas:
  • Good Homes
  • Safe and Strong Communities
  • A Green Clean City Region
  • Connected People, Places and Opportunities
  • Support to Live Well – everyday support in every neighbourhood
  • A Thriving Economy built by everyone and benefitting everyone

Scope

The outcomes are directly linked to the functional responsibilities for the Integrated Settlement for 2025 to 2026.

The targets have been set against the funds in scope of the integrated settlement for the 2025-26 financial year.

Outcomes Framework 2025 to 2026

Outcome 1: Improve business productivity to support local growth (Local Growth and Place)

Outcome indicators	Baseline	6 month trajectory	Target	Data source
1.1 Number of supported businesses that have increased productivity.			No target 25/26	MCA reporting
1.2 Supported businesses demonstrating improved practice: i. Total (target) ii. Engaged in new markets iii. Adopting new to firm technologies / processes iv. With new to market products / services	Not applicable	Not applicable	(i) 419 (ii) – (iv) No target	MCA reporting
1.3 Jobs created by MCA interventions in GM priority sectors	Not applicable	Not applicable	169	MCA reporting
Output	Output indicator	6 month trajectory	Target	Data source
1.a. Businesses supported	1.a Number of businesses supported	Not applicable	1056	MCA reporting
1.b. Employers engaged with skills and training	1.b. Number of engaged employers with employees accessing relevant skills / training	Not applicable	179	MCA reporting

Outcome 2: Deliver the infrastructure needed to support place-based growth (Local Growth and Place)

Outcome indicators	Baseline	6 month trajectory	Target	Data source
2.1 Additional floorspace unlocked because of intervention	Not applicable	Not applicable	4587m2	MCA Reporting

Outcome 3: Improved public transport in the GMCA area (Local Transport)

Outcome indicators	Baseline	6 month trajectory	Target	Data source
3.1 % mode share of trips made by bus	4.2%	Not applicable	4.3%	DfT National Travel Survey
3.2 % mode share of trips made by public transport	5.7%	Not applicable	5.9%	Local Data (GM TRADS)
3.3 Bus patronage (Millions of boardings per year)	167.8	Not applicable	172.8	Local data / DfT Annual Bus Statistics
3.4 Tram patronage (Millions of boardings per year)	45.6	Not applicable	47.0	Local data
3.5 % total of all bus passengers very and fairly satisfied with bus journey.	79%	Not applicable	80%	Your Bus Journey Transport Focus data
3.6 Proportion of tram passengers that are satisfied or very satisfied with their service.	92%	Not applicable	Over 90%	TfGM Network Principles Survey (Local Data)
3.7 % of buses departing from stops no more than one minute early and no more than five minutes late across all routes.	73.2%	Not applicable	80%	Ticketer (Local data) Bus Open Data Service (BODS) from next FY.
3.8 % of bus journey km cancelled.	2.3%	Not applicable	1.5%	Local Data (Operator reports to TfGM)
Output	Output indicators	Baseline	Target	Data source
3.a Satisfaction of disabled passengers.	3.a % total of bus passengers very and fairly satisfied with bus journey (as responded by disabled passengers).	80%	81%	Your Bus Journey Transport Focus data
3.b Personal security on the bus network.	3.b.i. % satisfaction of passengers with personal security on the bus.	79%	79% - maintain ‘good’	Your Bus Journey Transport Focus data
	3.b.ii  Personal security on the tram network	80%	81%	TfGM tram passenger survey (local data)

Outcome 4: Healthier and greener transport in the GMCA area (Local Transport)

Outcome indicators	Baseline	6 month trajectory	Target	Data source
4.1 % change in active travel taken by walking, wheeling and cycling	31%	Not applicable	32%	Initially use TfGM TRADS (local data) and compare to National Travel Survey.
4.2 % of the bus fleet that is zero tailpipe emission	20%	Not applicable	24%	TfGM local data, (feeding into DfT Annual Bus Statistics)
Outputs	Output indicators	Baseline	Target	Data source
4.a. New / improved Active Travel network delivered	4.a. New / improved Active Travel network delivered (km)	117km of Bee Network standard segregated route	160km by end of 2025	TfGM local data.
4.b. Provision of HMG-subsidised electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and charging devices.	4.b. Provision of government-subsidised EVSE and charging devices	No HMG subsidised chargers.	80	Local Data.

Outcome 5: Maintaining, enhancing and delivering transport infrastructure in the GMCA area (Local Transport)

Outcome indicators	Baseline	6 month trajectory	Target	Data source
5.1 Proportion of the A roads and Motorways that should be considered for maintenance (% red).	4% 3 LAs above 5% (or not reported)	Not applicable	Average below 4%. Max three LAs above 5% (or not reported).	Road condition statistics: data tables (RDC) - GOV.UK
5.2 Proportion of the local B+C roads that should be considered for maintenance (% red).	5% 4 LAs above 5% (or not reported)	Not applicable	Average below 5% Max 3 LAs above 5% (or not reported)	Road condition statistics: data tables (RDC) - GOV.UK
5.3 Proportion of the local Unclassified roads that should be considered for maintenance (% red).	15% 4 LAs above 15% (or not reported)	Not applicable	Average below 15% Max 3 LAs above 15% (or not reported)
5.4 % of highways users that are satisfied or very satisfied with highway networks	24%	Not applicable	24%	National Highways Transportation survey.
Outputs	Output indicator	6 month trajectory	Target	Data source
5.a. Delivery of the specific outputs agreed for the first CRSTS period (2022/23 – 2026/27).	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable

Outcome 6: More residents with the skills and learning they need for life, further learning, and good work  (Adult Skills)

Outcome indicators	Baseline (2023/24)	6 month trajectory	Target	Data source
6.1 Number of MCA-funded residents progressing from low / no qualifications to Level 1		Not applicable	No target 25/26	DfE data (ILR GMCA extract)
6.2 Number of MCA-funded residents progressing to Level 2		Not applicable	No target 25/26	DfE data (ILR GMCA extract)
6.3 Number of MCA-funded residents progressing to Level 3+ qualifications related to GM priority sectors		Not applicable	No target 25/26	DfE data (ILR GMCA extract)
Outputs	Output indicators	Baseline	Target	Data source
6.a Number of enrolments	Number of MCA-funded adult learning aim/course starts	132,537	127,792[footnote 2]	DfE data (ILR GMCA extract)
6.b Number of enrolments in GM Priority Sectors	Number of MCA-funded adult learning aim/course starts that were engaged in education, training or support related to GM priority sectors	34,081	32,861[footnote 2]	DfE data (ILR GMCA extract)
6.c Number of enrolments engaged in essential skills for life and work interventions	Number of MCA-funded adult learning aim/course starts that were engaged in essential skills for life and work interventions (including English, Maths, Digital and ESOL)	43,027	41,487[footnote 2]	DfE data (ILR GMCA extract)

Outcome 7: Increased supply of the infrastructure and quality housing needed by communities (Housing and Regeneration)

Outcome indicators	Baseline	6 month trajectory	Target	Data source
7.1 Number of new homes started[footnote 3]	To be confirmed	Not applicable	1,954 homes	Local programme data
7.2 Capacity for new homes[footnote 3]	To be confirmed	Not applicable	2,931 homes	Local programme data

Outcome 8: Reduction in direct carbon emissions from domestic buildings, with reduced fuel poverty gaps for treated households in, or at risk of, fuel poverty  (Buildings Retrofit)

Outcome indicators	Baseline	6 month trajectory	Target	Data source
8.1 Reduction in direct carbon emissions from domestic buildings upgraded (modelled)	Not applicable	Not applicable	284 Kt CO2e  (for the 3-year period)	Modelled energy savings split by fuel type (pre- and post-install EPCs)
Outputs	Output indicators	6 month trajectory	Target	Data source
8.a Number of social homes with a pre-installation Energy Efficiency Rating of D-G upgraded to C or above as a result of upgrades	8.a. Improved Energy Efficiency Ratings	Not applicable	9,000 (for the 3-year period)	Pre- and post-install EPCs
8.b Number of private low-income / fuel poor households in a property with a pre-installation Energy Efficiency Rating of D-G upgraded to C or above as a result of upgrades	8.b. Improved Energy Efficiency Ratings	Not applicable	1,700 (for the 3-year period)
8.c Accumulative annual household bill savings (modelled)	8.c. Accumulative annual household bill savings modelled from EPC data	Not applicable	£111.32m over 2025 – 2069 (3 year target)	Modelled bill savings from pre- and post-install EPCs

Outcome 9: Reduction in direct carbon emissions from public sector buildings  (Buildings Retrofit)

Outcome indicators	Baseline	6 month trajectory	Target	Data source
9.1 Reduction in direct carbon emissions from public sector buildings upgraded	Not applicable	Not applicable	3.1Kt CO2e (per year from 2028/29) (for the 3-year period)	Estimated energy savings split by fuel type. Over time, validated by actual energy savings (feasibility/detailed design studies and smart meter data)

Outcome 10: Disabled residents, residents with long-term health conditions, and other agreed disadvantaged groups with complex barriers are supported to sustain good work through delivery of supported employment. (Employment Support)

Outcome indicators	Baseline	6-month trajectory	Target	Data source
10.1 Share of out of work programme starts to achieve first earnings.	Not applicable	Not applicable	25% by March 2026	HMRC RTE data (PRaP)
10.2 Share of out of work participant starts to achieve a lower threshold job outcome	Not applicable	Not applicable	9% by March 2026	HMRC RTE data (PRaP)
10.3 Share of out of work participant starts to achieve a higher threshold job outcome	Not applicable	Not applicable	3% by March 2026	HMRC RTE data (PRaP)
10.4 Share of in work retention participants to achieve a higher threshold job outcome	Not applicable	Not applicable	20% by March 2026	HMRC RTE data (PRaP)
Outputs	Output indicators	6-month trajectory	Target	Data source
10.a Programme starts	Share of profiled programme starts to achieve a programme start	Not applicable	2000 (indicative 75% OOW 25% IW split)	PRaP
10.b Provision of supported employment	IPS fidelity assessments	Not applicable	Completion of annual fidelity assessments	External assessment (completed or booked)

Outcome 11:  More residents moving towards, into and progressing within, good work (Cross-cutting)

Outcome indicators	Baseline	6-month trajectory	Target	Data source
11.1. Percentage of out of work learners participating in employment-related activity achieving a job outcome	30%	Not applicable	30%	DfE data (ILR GMCA extract) & GMCA Local Data
11.2. Number of employment support participants entering employment	Not applicable	Not applicable	600	GMCA Local Data (GMIT)

1. The current GMS is available here: https://aboutgreatermanchester.com/. The refreshed GMS is expected to be published by June 2025. ↩

2. Indicators 6.a to 6.c have targets that are lower than the baseline; this reflects the quantum of funding for 25/26 being lower than the baseline year and changes in the balance and mix of provision. ↩ ↩² ↩³

3. The targets for 7.1 and 7.2 capture the Trailblazer devolution deal commitment to deliver 7,000 homes across 23/24, 24/25 and 25/26, assuming an equal split across the three years. Assessment of performance against 25/26 targets will take account of actual delivery in 23/24 and 24/25. ↩ ↩²