THE future of the Clean Air Zone in Oldham and across all Greater Manchester is up for review as a result of a number of issues with the scheme.

Andy Burnham and Cllr Andrew Western, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)'s lead for Clean Air, made a statement this week.

In March 2020, the Government told all ten councils in the GMCA, including Oldham Council, to introduce a Clean Air Zone to comply with legal limits for air pollution by 2024.

A scheme was approved by all ten councils last year, with non-compliant buses, coaches, lorries, minibuses, taxis and vans all affected by charges.

Some £120 million was set aside for individuals and businesses to access to make their vehicles compliant, via a process referred to as retrofitting.

But it is now thought this is not enough in light of issues such as the impact of the pandemic and a shortage of supplies in the automotive industry.

Mr Burnham and Cllr Western's statement said: "We know this is a challenge for individuals and businesses, which is why we've always been clear with ministers that it must be accompanied by a fair package of financial support.

"While the Government has provided £120 million, we're concerned they've so far failed to agree to our request for additional support for those who will find it hardest to make the change.

"We also warned them of our ongoing concerns about the vehicle supply chain and the cooperation of National Highways. Over the past few months, Greater Manchester has continued to monitor these issues alongside the ongoing impact of the pandemic and increases in the cost of living.

"In addition, late last year we commissioned new work to understand the impact of the growing global supply chain issues in the automotive sector which could affect the availability of some vehicles and people’s ability to upgrade."

GMCA leaders are set to meet next week to consider these issues, before a Clean Air committee consider their implications for the Clean Air Zone later in the month.

The statement concluded: "We are committed to reducing air pollution in Greater Manchester but also to protecting the jobs and livelihoods of our residents. We are listening carefully to concerns being expressed about the current situation and will make a decision shortly on our next steps."