The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss progress on the Local Growth Plan and the Local Transport Delivery Plan. The committee also reviewed the Scrutiny Work Programme and considered an exempt report on Concessionary Fares.

Local Growth Plan (LGP)

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Growth Plan (LGP). This plan aims to provide a strategic framework for sustainable economic growth across the region. The report detailed the development of an Outcomes Framework, designed to consistently measure how the Combined Authority's strategies, programmes, and investments contribute to shared outcomes. The LGP aims to address constraints on growth, including an equity-investment gap, a skills-match rate below the national average, a significant number of residents economically inactive due to long-term sickness, and a rising commercial vacancy rate.

The report outlined how delivery of the LGP is being mobilised across four key areas: Good Jobs, Better Connected, Fit & Healthy, and Great Places. It detailed activities already in delivery, those being mobilised, and those still under development. The committee was invited to comment on the clarity of the line of sight from strategic priorities to outcomes, and whether the interim reporting proposed was sufficient pending a full baseline. They were also asked to agree on the priorities for completing the Outcomes Framework and KPI baseline, and to decide on any further recommendations regarding the pace or content of future performance reporting.

The proposed outcome measures were to track changes in the economy and people's lives, such as higher skills-match rates and more residents in work. Process measures were also to be tracked, focusing on the volume and pace of the Combined Authority's activities, like the number of learners supported or referrals made. Specific outcome measures were proposed for investment, labour market, commercial space, transport, digital connectivity, exports, and innovation. Process measures were to include the number of Adult Skills Fund learners, referrals and job outcomes for Connect to Work, pipeline investment secured, housing completions, and public transport patronage.

Transport and Connectivity

A progress update was scheduled for the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority's Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) 2026-2030. This plan establishes the transport investment programme and strategic priorities for the period and provides a framework for future scheme development. The LTDP has been developed collaboratively with Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council and aims to improve access to employment, education, healthcare, and leisure opportunities, while supporting healthier and more reliable journeys.

The plan allocates over £280 million of capital and revenue funding across highways maintenance, public transport, active travel, digital innovation, and future transport development. Significant investment is directed towards maintaining and improving the highway network, supported bus services, active travel infrastructure, road safety, and electric vehicle infrastructure. The report highlighted that the LTDP supports the Mayor's priorities, the emerging Local Growth Plan, and national transport objectives. The committee was invited to analyse the LTDP's alignment with strategic objectives, comment on the approach to investment prioritisation and the outcomes framework, and agree on any areas requiring further information before its submission to the Department for Transport and consideration by the Executive Board.

Concessionary Fares

The committee was scheduled to consider the principle of aligning concessionary travel operating hours and the associated funding approach across Hull and East Yorkshire from 1st April 2027. Currently, concessionary travel arrangements differ between Hull City Council, which offers additional local enhancements, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, which provides only the statutory national entitlement. The transfer of transport responsibilities to HEYCA presents an opportunity to align these arrangements.

The report noted that national policy changes, including a £2 maximum single bus fare cap and all-day free travel for disabled concessionary bus pass holders from April 2027, would have implications for future scheme design. The preferred option was to align operating hours and funding principles through an enhanced scheme, which would provide a consistent offer across the Combined Authority area, support accessibility and social inclusion, and encourage greater bus use. However, this option would involve additional ongoing revenue costs and increased reimbursement liabilities. The committee was invited to analyse the case for alignment, comment on the preferred approach, and agree on any areas requiring additional financial analysis or implementation planning.

Executive Forward Plan of Decisions

The committee was scheduled to review the Executive Forward Plan, which outlines known decisions to be taken by the Combined Authority Board, Advisory Committees, or by Mayoral Decision Notice. Members noted that no forward decisions were included on the Forward Plan beyond July and requested clarification to ensure it was up to date.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to note the agreed Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026-2027. This programme was developed in consultation with the Senior Leadership Team and Members, with input from an in-person workshop. The agreed themes were designed to support HEYCA's strategic priorities, including commitments to good jobs, better connectivity, improved health, and affordable homes. The work programme aims to ensure that scrutiny contributes meaningfully to the Combined Authority's goals and delivery ambitions. The report referenced the legislative framework underpinning scrutiny, including the Local Government Act 2000, the Localism Act 2011, and the Combined Authorities Order 2017. The committee was invited to agree the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026-2027.

The work programme included specific items for future scrutiny, such as the Connect To Work programme, the approach to investments, transport and connectivity, housing and planning, and community impact and social value. Detailed timelines, report deadlines, and responsible officers were outlined for each item.

Exempt Report

The agenda also included an item for the exclusion of the press and public to consider an exempt report on Concessionary Fares. This report was scheduled to be considered in private.