Names of new Environment Commissioners unveiled

The new Environment Commissioners will co-ordinate with a range of organisations to tackle climate change, energy, water, green infrastructure, transport, waste and other issues.

The first meeting of Greater Manchester’s Environment Commission will take place on Thursday 14th May where the new Environment Commissioners will lead on the AGMA priorities of developing an energy plan and the establishment of a Climate Change Agency.

Chair of the Environment Commission and Leader of Stockport Council Councillor Dave Goddard said: “I am delighted that we have a top-class group of senior figures representing all sectors in the 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.”

The 19 Environment Commissioners are:

Councillors:

• Chair – Councillor Dave Goddard (Stockport);
• Councillor Mark Alcock (Oldham);
• Councillor Richard Cowell (Manchester);
• Councillor Catherine Piddington (Tameside);
• Councillor James Wibberley (Trafford); and,
• Councillor David Molyneux (Wigan).

Appointments:

• Andy Cliffe, Strategy Director, MAG;
• Keith Davidson, Environment Partner, Pannone;
• Roger Milburn, Director, Arup;
• Anne Selby, CEO, Wildlife Trust; and,
• Lynda Shillaw, Managing Director (Property), Co-operative Group.

Ex-officio:

• Tony Dean, North West Regional 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; and,
• David Hytch, Information Systems Director, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.

Two senior representatives from Greater Manchester’s universities are being selected to fill the final two commission roles. The Commission may choose to appoint one further ex officio.

The Commission also has a strategy team of officers led by the Chief Executive of Oldham Council Charlie Parker.

The Commission is one of seven new organisations set up by AGMA through a multi-area agreement with the Government, an arrangement which could lead to increasing powers being devolved to the city region.

This has been strengthened by the Chancellor’s budget announcement that Greater Manchester is one of two areas to be awarded Statutory City Region status as part of a national pilot.

For further information please contact Mark Smith, Media and Communications Officer on 0161 770 4709, e-mail mark.smith@oldham.gov.uk