This week in Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority:

Council Eyes Major Transport Overhaul: Will Your Bus Pass Change?

Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) is considering a significant shake-up of its concessionary travel system, a move that could impact thousands of residents who rely on bus services. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss aligning operating hours and funding for bus passes across Hull and the East Riding.

Currently, Hull City Council offers more generous local enhancements to the national concessionary travel scheme than East Riding of Yorkshire Council. This means that while everyone with a bus pass gets free travel during off-peak hours nationally, Hull residents might have access to additional benefits. However, with transport responsibilities now falling under HEYCA, there's a push to create a single, consistent offer for the entire region.

The proposed change aims to provide a consistent offer across the Combined Authority area, which could mean expanded benefits for some East Riding residents. Crucially, the report highlights that national policy changes from April 2027 will include a £2 maximum single bus fare cap and all-day free travel for disabled concessionary bus pass holders. This presents a key opportunity for HEYCA to harmonise its approach.

However, this alignment comes with a potential cost. The preferred option, an enhanced scheme offering consistent benefits, would involve additional ongoing revenue costs and increased reimbursement liabilities. This means the council would need to spend more to fund the expanded service. For vulnerable groups, particularly older people and those with disabilities who depend on these services for social inclusion and access to essential appointments, any changes could have a significant real-world impact. The committee was asked to consider the case for alignment and comment on the preferred approach, with further financial analysis requested.

Read more about the Concessionary Fares discussion here

Driving Growth: How Will Hull and East Yorkshire's Future Be Shaped?

The Hull and East Yorkshire Local Growth Plan (LGP) is being put under the microscope as the Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed its progress on Wednesday 16 September 2026. This ambitious plan aims to steer sustainable economic growth across the region, but its success hinges on clear measurement and effective delivery.

A key focus of the discussion was the development of an Outcomes Framework. This framework is designed to track how the Combined Authority's strategies and investments are actually making a difference in people's lives and the local economy. The LGP is tackling significant challenges, including a gap between investment and equity, skills shortages, a high number of residents economically inactive due to long-term sickness, and a rising rate of empty commercial properties.

The plan is being mobilised across four key areas: Good Jobs, Better Connected, Fit & Healthy, and Great Places. The committee was asked to consider whether the proposed reporting methods provide a clear line of sight from the plan's strategic goals to tangible outcomes. This is crucial for ensuring that public money is being spent effectively and that the plan is genuinely improving opportunities for residents. The committee was invited to comment on the clarity of the reporting and to agree on priorities for completing the Outcomes Framework and establishing baseline measures.

The proposed measures aim to track changes like higher skills-match rates and more people in work, alongside process measures such as the number of learners supported or job referrals made. This data will be vital for understanding the impact of initiatives funded by the LGP.

Find out more about the Local Growth Plan update here

£280 Million Transport Plan Under Scrutiny

A substantial investment of over £280 million is earmarked for the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) 2026-2030, a blueprint for improving how people move around the region. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee examined the progress of this plan on Wednesday 16 September 2026.

Developed in partnership with Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the LTDP aims to enhance access to jobs, education, healthcare, and leisure. It also seeks to promote healthier and more reliable journeys for everyone. The significant funding will be channelled into maintaining and upgrading roads, supporting bus services, developing infrastructure for cycling and walking (active travel), improving road safety, and rolling out electric vehicle charging points.

The committee was tasked with analysing how well the LTDP aligns with the Mayor's priorities and national transport objectives. They also considered the approach to prioritising investments and the proposed outcomes framework. This scrutiny is vital to ensure that the substantial investment translates into tangible benefits for residents, making travel easier, safer, and more sustainable.

More details on the Local Transport Delivery Plan can be found here

Other Matters

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee also reviewed the Executive Forward Plan, noting a request for clarification to ensure it was up-to-date with upcoming decisions. Additionally, the committee was presented with the agreed Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026-2027, which outlines key areas for future review, including the Connect To Work programme, investment strategies, transport, housing, and community impact.