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Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee - Friday, 5th June, 2026 1.00 pm
June 5, 2026 at 1:00 pm Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee View on council websiteSummary
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The West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee met on Friday 5 June 2026, approving a £5 million Nature Recovery Fund and endorsing the Hicks Gate Masterplan as a non-statutory planning framework. The committee also supported the Mayor's intention to apply for Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status and consented to the formal proposal to expand the West of England Combined Authority to include North Somerset Council.
Key decisions included the allocation of £5 million for a Nature Recovery Fund, the approval of the Hicks Gate Masterplan, and the endorsement of the West of England Combined Authority Investment Plan 2026. The committee also supported the Mayor's intention to apply for Established Mayoral Strategic Authority (EMSA) status, which would unlock the highest level of devolution currently available in England. Furthermore, the committee consented to the formal proposal to expand the West of England Combined Authority to include North Somerset Council, a move supported by public consultation and North Somerset Council's own vote. The committee also approved change requests for schemes within the current Investment Fund programme and agreed to allow flexibility in moving CRSTS risk budgets between projects.
Investment Fund Programme and Grant Assurance
The committee allocated £5 million of Investment Fund capital to establish a Nature Recovery Fund. This fund will support projects aimed at reversing biodiversity decline and connecting residents with natural landscapes, developed in partnership with the West of England Nature Partnership. The committee also delegated authority to the Director of Place to approve the Full Business Case for a Distribution Hub, which will act as a central site for redistributing surplus goods to those in need. Additionally, £868,500 in funding for Local Remediation Acceleration Plans was noted, subject to final approval by the MCA's Section 73 officer. The committee also noted the intended receipt of £200,000 in revenue funding from Homes England for the Strategic Place Partnership. Authority was delegated to the Director of Homes and Regeneration for the finalisation of the allocation and use of this funding. Finally, the committee delegated authority to the Executive Director of Transport to enter into a grant funding agreement with First Bus through the Zero Emission Buses Regional Areas (ZEBRA2) award, and noted the updated work programme for Zero Emission Transport City (ZETC) funding.
Delivery Assurance
The committee approved change requests for schemes within the current Investment Fund programme. This included approving change requests for 32 projects, listed in Appendix 1 of the report. The committee also agreed to allow the West of England Combined Authority, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, and South Gloucestershire Council to move CRSTS risk budgets between CRSTS projects within their respective programmes, subject to specific criteria.
Forward Plan of Regional Strategic Work
The committee noted the forward plan of regional strategic work, which outlines upcoming strategy launches, development activity, and new programmes. Members provided steers on priorities and the direction of these work areas.
West of England Investment Plan
The committee approved the West of England Combined Authority Investment Plan 2026, which sets out the region's strategy for delivering economic growth and improving residents' lives. They also noted the publication of the West of England Investment Prospectus, aimed at attracting private investors.
Skills Strategy
The committee approved the West of England Skills Strategy, which outlines the region's approach to creating a more integrated employment and skills system. The strategy focuses on three pillars: supporting young people into future jobs, breaking down barriers to work for adults, and promoting lifelong learning for a changing economy.
Established Mayoral Strategic Authority Status
The committee supported the Mayor's intention to make a formal application to the government for the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to progress to Established Mayoral Strategic Authority (EMSA) status. This status would unlock the highest level of devolution currently available in England, providing greater flexibility in funding, reducing competitive funding requirements, and granting the ability to request further devolved powers.
Expansion of the West of England Combined Authority
The committee supported the Mayor's intention to consent to the submission of a formal proposal to expand the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to incorporate North Somerset Council. This decision represents the final local consent point for the proposed expansion under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. The committee also delegated authority to the Director of Law and Governance to approve the wording of the final draft order for the expansion. Public consultation on the expansion indicated majority support, with key themes including integration, economic benefits, and transport improvements, alongside concerns about local control and financial implications.
Brabazon and West Innovation Arc New Town
The committee approved the non-statutory designation of the West Innovation Arc as a Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ). They also approved the key principles of the MDZ, endorsed the establishment of an interim delivery team to coordinate activities, and delegated authority to the MCA's Director of Place to recruit an interim chair for the MDZ board. The committee noted the direction of travel towards establishing a statutory Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for the West Innovation Arc, with detailed proposals to be developed through further evidence, consultation, and local engagement.
Brownfield Housing Fund
The committee noted the receipt of a £45,005,618 allocation of the Brownfield Housing Fund capital grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Authority was delegated to the MCA's Director of Place, in consultation with equivalent directors from the Unitary Authorities, to manage the detail of delivery.
Hicks Gate Masterplan
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority endorsed the joint Masterplan for Hicks Gate as a non-statutory planning framework to inform emerging planning policy. This masterplan aims to unlock coordinated, high-quality housing delivery with significant infrastructure investment, including safeguarding the A4 corridor for mass transit.
Corporate Risk Framework
The committee approved the revised Corporate Risk Management Framework, which strengthens the Authority's approach to risk management by supporting informed, risk-based decision-making and promoting a proactive risk culture. The revised framework includes updated risk categories, refined risk appetite statements, and the introduction of opportunity risk management.
Audit Committee Annual Report 2025/26
The committee noted the Audit Committee Annual Report 2025/26, which summarised the committee's work over the past year in providing assurance on the MCA's governance, risk management, financial, and business controls.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2025/26
The committee noted the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2025/26, which detailed the committee's activities in scrutinising the work of the Authority, holding decision-makers to account, and making recommendations for service improvement.
Joint Committee Budget Outturn 2025/26
The Joint Committee noted the revenue and capital outturn position for the 2025/26 financial year. They also approved change requests for schemes within the Economic Development Fund (EDF) and Revolving Infrastructure Fund (RIF) programmes.
Annual Business Report (AGM)
During the Annual General Meeting segment, the committee considered the Annual Business Report, which included committee membership arrangements, the appointment of the Deputy Mayor, and updates to the Combined Authority's constitution. Councillor Tony Dyer was appointed Deputy Mayor for 2026/27.
Joint Committee Annual Business Report (AGM)
The Joint Committee considered its Annual Business Report, outlining membership arrangements and confirming deputies. Mayor Helen Godwin was elected Chair and Councillor Tony Dyer was elected Vice-Chair for the Municipal Year 2026/27. The meeting timetable for the Joint Committee for 2026/27 was also noted.
HR Policy and Contractual Changes (Employment and Appointments Committee)
The Employment and Appointments Committee sought approval for a number of contractual and policy changes intended to mitigate legal, financial, and operational risks. Officers will continue work on amendments to the disciplinary policy, with no vote taken on that specific item.
The meeting was then moved to a closed session to discuss exempt information.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Executive Director of Transport approved the Full Business Case for Bath City Centre Phase 2 and awarded £377,000 of CRSTS funding to Bath and North East Somerset Council on 23/04/2026. This project aims to improve active travel and public transport within Bath City Centre.
The Director of Operations approved changes to the Keynsham Community Energy project, extending milestones to August 2026 and reprofiling £16,220 revenue into the next financial year, on 23 April 2026.
The Executive Director of Transport approved the West of England Strategic Rail Pipeline Feasibility and Development Funding Application, awarding £1.33m of Transport for City Regions revenue funding and £0.42m of City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement revenue funding for 2026/27 on 01/06/2026.
The Director of Operations approved an increase of £3,953.40 for four previously approved projects under the Low Carbon Business Support – Green Business Grants scheme on 21 April 2026.
The Director of Operations approved the extension of UKSPF grant agreements with Bath and North-East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, and South Gloucestershire Council until 30 September 2026 on 20 April 2026.
The Executive Director of Transport noted £250,500 of IMS Concession Fee and awarded £69,091 of IMS Revenue Share for the micromobility project, and awarded £372,569 and £156,500 of IMS Revenue Share for the MaaS and Transport Data Hub projects respectively on 23/04/2026.
The Executive Director of Transport approved the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2025/26 on 05/06/2026.
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Joint Committee Budget Outturn 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe West of England Joint Committee noted the revenue and capital outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. The committee approved change requests for schemes within the Economic Development Fund and Revolving Infrastructure Fund programmes.
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Brownfield Housing Fund
Recommendations ApprovedThe Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee noted the receipt of a £45,005,618 Brownfield Housing Fund allocation on 05/06/2026. Recommendations were approved, delegating delivery details to the MCA’s Director of Place in consultation with Unitary Authority directors, with escalation to the MCA’s CEO and Unitary Authority CEOs if consensus is not reached.
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Forward Plan of Regional Strategic Work
Recommendations ApprovedThe Joint meeting of the West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee decided to note the forward plan of regional strategic work and provide steers on priorities. This decision was made on 05/06/2026. The committee noted the forward plan and provided steers on priorities and the direction of the work areas it contained.
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Expansion of the West Of England Combined Authority
Recommendations ApprovedThe Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee supported the Mayor's intention to consent to the submission of a formal proposal to expand the West of England Combined Authority to incorporate North Somerset Council. The committee delegated authority to the Director of Law and Governance to approve the wording of the final draft order for the expansion of the MCA to be laid before parliament. This decision was made on 05/06/2026.
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Mayoral Combined Authority and Mayoral Budget Outturn 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee noted the outturn position for the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority Revenue Budget, the Mayoral Revenue Budget, the Capital Outturn, and the Treasury Outturn on 05/06/2026. Recommendations were approved.
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Established Mayoral Strategic Authority Status
Recommendations ApprovedThe Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee supported the Mayor’s intention to make a formal application for Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status on 05 June 2026. The committee approved recommendations to progress this application.
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West of England Investment Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee approved the West of England Combined Authority Investment Plan 2026 on 05 June 2026. The meeting also noted the publication of the West of England Investment Prospectus.
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Audit Committee Annual Report 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe West of England Combined Authority Audit Committee noted the Audit Committee Annual Report 2025/26 on 05/06/2026. The report summarised the committee's work in providing assurance on governance, risk management, and financial controls. The committee approved the external auditor's audit plan, received updates on internal audit work, reviewed risk management and corporate governance, and considered treasury management and non-treasury financial strategies.
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Mayoral Combined Authority and Mayoral Budget Outturn 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee noted the outturn position for the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority Revenue Budget, the Mayoral Revenue Budget, the Capital Outturn, and the Treasury Outturn on 05/06/2026. The West of England Combined Authority Director of Operations awarded a grant of £92,537 to the City of Bristol College on 24/04/2026. This grant is for the delivery of phase 1 outcomes for the Further Education Teacher Industry Exchange project.
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Brabazon and West Innovation Arc New Town
Recommendations ApprovedThe Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee approved the non-statutory designation of the West Innovation Arc as a Mayoral Development Zone on 05/06/2026. They also approved key principles for the zone, endorsed an interim delivery team, and delegated authority to recruit an interim chair. The committee noted the direction towards establishing a statutory Mayoral Development Corporation.
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Corporate Risk Framework
Recommendations ApprovedThe West of England Combined Authority Committee approved the revised Corporate Risk Management Framework on 05/06/2026. The revised framework includes updated risk categories, new risk appetite statements, and the introduction of residual risk appetite thresholds. It also incorporates a new approach for identifying and managing opportunity risk.
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Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe West of England Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2025/26 on 05/06/2026. The committee's role in overseeing decisions and holding decision-makers to account was detailed. The report also outlined preparations for constitutional changes and potential expansion of the Authority.
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Investment Fund Programme and Grant Assurance
Recommendations ApprovedThe West of England Combined Authority Committee approved recommendations regarding investment fund programmes and grant assurance on 05/06/2026. The committee delegated authority for approving a Distribution Hub business case, allocated £5m to a Nature Recovery Fund, and noted the receipt of funding for Local Remediation Acceleration Plans and Homes England. Specific officer actions include delegating the finalisation of allocation and use of Local Remediation Acceleration Plans funding and Homes England funding, and entering into a grant funding agreement with First Bus.
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Skills Strategy
Recommendations ApprovedThe Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee approved the West of England Skills Strategy on 05/06/2026. The strategy sets out the Combined Authority's approach to creating a more joined-up employment and skills system.
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Delivery Assurance
Recommendations ApprovedThe Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee approved change requests for schemes within the Investment Fund programme and agreed flexibility to move CRSTS risk budgets between CRSTS projects. This decision was made on 05/06/2026. The approved actions include approving change requests for schemes within the current Investment Fund programme and allowing the West of England Combined Authority and its partner councils to move CRSTS risk budgets between CRSTS projects subject to specific criteria.
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Hicks Gate Masterplan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee decided to endorse the Hicks Gate Masterplan as a non-statutory planning framework to inform emerging planning policy on 05/06/2026. The Masterplan aims to unlock coordinated and high-quality housing delivery with significant infrastructure delivery, including protecting the A4 as a high-frequency mass transit corridor and establishing a new transport interchange at Hicks Gate.
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Brabazon and West Innovation Arc New Town
Recommendations ApprovedThe Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee approved the non-statutory designation of the West Innovation Arc as a Mayoral Development Zone on 05/06/2026. The committee also approved key principles for the zone and endorsed the establishment of an interim delivery team. Authority was delegated to the MCA’s Director of Place to recruit an interim chair of the MDZ, supported by an MDZ Board.
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