The Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Region of Learning and Creativity Programme, review the proposed work plan for the upcoming year, and consider amendments to scrutiny standing orders.

The Region of Learning and Creativity Programme

The committee received an overview of the Region of Learning & Creativity Strategy, a ten-year plan aimed at improving skills, learning, careers, and employment outcomes across West Yorkshire. The strategy is structured around four priorities: Inspiring Futures, Fulfilling Lives, Employer Excellence, and A System that Works for All. It sets long-term goals, including halving the number of 16 to 17 year olds who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) by 2035 and increasing the proportion of businesses providing training.

The Region of Learning & Creativity Investment Programme, funded through the Integrated Settlement and grants from the Careers & Enterprise Company, was presented. The programme comprises three strands:

• Strand 1: De-risking Hiring: This strand will receive £150,000 in development funding to research and pilot interventions aimed at reducing employer caution in recruitment and increasing entry-level opportunities. A full business case is expected in Autumn 2026.
• Strand 2: Careers Hub: This strand has £2.98 million allocated to transition the West Yorkshire Careers Hub towards a commissioning model. This will support greater investment in careers improvement, work experience, youth voice programmes, and locally delivered careers initiatives. Key programmes include the Aspiring Pathways Programme, Boosting Skills Pathways Programme, and the Targeted Work Experience Programme. The Investment Board approved £2,982,750 for this strand, with a total scheme cost of £4,548,345.
• Strand 3: NEET and Youth Unemployment: This strand remains under development, focusing on supporting young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET. A full business case is anticipated in Autumn 2026.

Councillors raised questions regarding the practical implementation of these programmes, the measurement of their impact, and how they would reach young people not currently engaged with services. Concerns were also voiced about the potential for national policy changes to affect devolved funding and the challenges of ensuring timely college capacity to meet vocational training demands. Officers detailed plans for working with local authorities and third-sector partners to reach all young people and outlined a commitment to allocating resources based on identified challenges.

Approval of Work Plan 2026/27

The committee reviewed the proposed Work Plan for the 2026/27 municipal year. The plan outlines a focused approach on strategic issues, including scrutiny of the Region of Learning & Creativity programme, capital programme strategy, and the draft budget for 2027/28. It also includes ongoing tasks such as monitoring bus franchising progress and mass transit development. The work plan was developed with consideration for the new powers and responsibilities that will come into effect with the Local Scrutiny Committees system under the Devolution Act 2026. A vote was taken to approve the work plan.

Amendments to Scrutiny Standing Orders

The committee considered proposed amendments to Scrutiny Standing Orders to incorporate new statutory powers and duties related to the appointment and dismissal of Mayoral Commissioners, as introduced by the Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. These amendments, which will be submitted to the Combined Authority Board for approval, will allow the Scrutiny Committee to hold hearings for Mayoral Commissioner nominees and recommend the termination of their appointments.

Other Matters

The meeting included a vote to approve the Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26, which highlighted the committee's impact on decision-making and delivery through public challenge, formal recommendations, and private soft scrutiny. The report noted that all recommendations made by the committee were accepted by the Mayor and Combined Authority. Discussions were held regarding governance arrangements and the appointment of Vice Chairs and a member to the Transport for the North (TfN) Scrutiny Committee.