The Growth Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss a range of strategic initiatives, including regional energy governance, visitor economy branding, and resilience planning. Key decisions included recommending the approval of the CPCA Area Energy Governance proposals and endorsing the regional visitor economy brand and narrative.

Regional Energy Governance Proposals

The committee recommended to the Combined Authority Board the approval of the proposed energy governance structure for the CPCA area. This new governance aims to ensure a coordinated voice for the region in addressing energy infrastructure needs, supporting the transition to a resilient and affordable energy system, and meeting growth ambitions. Judith Barker, Executive Director for Place and Economy, was nominated to attend the Central Regional Energy Strategic Board, providing updates and bringing decisions back to the committee and board. The proposals were developed following discussions with local government colleagues and aim to align with the National Energy System Operator's (NESO) Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs). The governance structure will support the management of interdependencies across the region and ensure efficient communication with energy network operators and other stakeholders.

Regional Visitor Economy Branding and Narrative

The committee reviewed and endorsed the proposed regional destination brand and narrative, Wonder Further, developed in partnership with industry and local authority partners. This brand aims to strengthen the region's identity, enhance visitor appeal, and support the delivery of the Destination Management Plan (DMP) and VisitEngland LVEP objectives. The brand, using Cambridgeshire as the visitor-facing name, is intended to encourage visitors to explore beyond well-known attractions, increase dwell time, and promote visitor dispersal, thereby maximising economic benefits. The committee also reviewed and endorsed the Terms of Reference for the LVEP Working Group, which will support the establishment of the LVEP Board. Councillor Naomi Bennett declared an interest as a member of Camera, a local photography group.

Sage Novation on properties at Wisbech Road, March

The committee agreed to recommend to the Combined Authority Board the approval of a novation requested by Sage Homes Limited. This novation will transfer rented units at Wisbech Road, March, to Sage Rented Homes Limited, an internal company within Sage Homes, as part of a financial restructuring. The decision was retrospective as the transfer had already occurred in May 2026. The committee was assured that there would be no loss of affordable housing provision and that the council's interests remained protected.

Resilience Plan Phase 2 Update

The committee was updated on the proposals for Phase 2 of the Resilience Plan, which will focus on a broader range of strategic risks beyond water, including environmental, infrastructure, and energy supply resilience. The plan, intended to cover the period from 2027 to 2032, aims to identify roles and responsibilities, opportunities for collaboration, and the resources required to enhance the region's resilience. A Resilience Summit is being considered to bring together leaders and stakeholders. The timeline for developing and approving the plan was outlined, with the Growth Committee expected to agree the draft plan in June 2027 and the Combined Authority Board to approve it in July 2027.

Water Resilience Plan

Members were presented with the emerging themes of the Water Resilience Plan, which is being developed by Water Resources East. The plan aims to provide an overview of water-related risks, current challenges, and anticipated future risks, including public water supply, wastewater treatment, non-domestic water supply, and flood risk. A Mayor's roundtable event was scheduled for 1 October to discuss the draft plan with stakeholders. The committee was asked to note the emerging themes and provide comments for inclusion in the draft document before it is presented to the Growth Committee in November and the Combined Authority Board in December.

Spatial Development Strategy and Government Consultation on Planning Powers

The committee received an update on the progress of the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) and the government's consultation on additional planning powers for Mayors. The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in August, providing clearer distinctions between SDS and local plans. The formal commencement of the SDS process is now expected in early November 2026, with the strategy intended for approval in 2028. The consultation on mayoral planning powers, which could grant powers similar to those of the Mayor of London, was noted as having significant resource implications for the Combined Authority. A response to the consultation is being prepared.

Budget and Performance Report

Bruna Menegatti, Finance Manager, presented the budget and performance report for the Place division for the financial year 2026/27, up to the end of the first quarter in June 2026. The report indicated that expenditure was largely in line with the profiled budget. A forecast variance of £2 million lower than the budget was noted, primarily due to the anticipated receipt of additional funding for the Spatial Development Strategy, the expenditure of which will be profiled over a longer period. The Net Zero Hub revenue expenditure was also presented, showing no call on the CPCA budget as it is fully funded by government grant.

Director's Highlight Report

Judith Barker, Executive Director for Place and Economy, provided an update on key activities within her directorate. Significant points included the Combined Authority's designation as an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority, granting access to wider powers and funding flexibility. Updates were also given on the Rough Sleeping Programme, with significant funding allocated to local authorities to provide beds for rough sleepers over winter. Progress on the Affordable Housing Programme and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy was noted. The report also highlighted ongoing work with Great British Energy and Homes England, including the development of a framework for Peterborough City Centre and work in Huntingdonshire.

Sage Novation on properties at Wisbech Road, March

The committee agreed to recommend to the Combined Authority Board the approval of a novation requested by Sage Homes Limited. This novation will transfer the rented units at Wisbech Road, March, to Sage Rented Homes Limited, an internal company within Sage Homes, as part of a financial restructuring. The decision was retrospective as the transfer had already occurred in May 2026. The committee was assured that there would be no loss of affordable housing provision and that the council's interests remained protected.

Resilience Plan Phase 2 Update

The committee was updated on the proposals for Phase 2 of the Resilience Plan, which will focus on a broader range of strategic risks beyond water, including environmental, infrastructure, and energy supply resilience. The plan, intended to cover the period from 2027 to 2032, aims to identify roles and responsibilities, opportunities for collaboration, and the resources required to enhance the region's resilience. A Resilience Summit is being considered to bring together leaders and stakeholders. The timeline for developing and approving the plan was outlined, with the Growth Committee expected to agree the draft plan in June 2027 and the Combined Authority Board to approve it in July 2027.

Water Resilience Plan

Members were presented with the emerging themes of the Water Resilience Plan, which is being developed by Water Resources East. The plan aims to provide an overview of water-related risks, current challenges, and anticipated future risks, including public water supply, wastewater treatment, non-domestic water supply, and flood risk. A Mayor's roundtable event was scheduled for 1 October to discuss the draft Water Resilience Plan with stakeholders. The committee was asked to note the emerging themes and provide comments for inclusion in the draft document before it is presented to the Growth Committee in November and the Combined Authority Board in December.

Spatial Development Strategy and Government Consultation on Planning Powers

The committee received an update on the progress of the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) and the government's consultation on additional planning powers for Mayors. The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in August, providing clearer distinctions between SDS and local plans. The formal commencement of the SDS process is now expected in early November 2026, with the strategy intended for approval in 2028. The consultation on mayoral planning powers, which could grant powers similar to those of the Mayor of London, was noted as having significant resource implications for the Combined Authority. A response to the consultation is being prepared.

Budget and Performance Report

Bruna Menegatti, Finance Manager, presented the budget and performance report for the Place division for the financial year 2026/27, up to the end of the first quarter in June 2026. The report indicated that expenditure was largely in line with the profiled budget. A forecast variance of £2 million lower than the budget was noted, primarily due to the anticipated receipt of additional funding for the Spatial Development Strategy, the expenditure of which will be profiled over a longer period. The Net Zero Hub revenue expenditure was also presented, showing no call on the CPCA budget as it is fully funded by government grant.

Work Programme

The committee noted its work programme for the upcoming period.