The West of England Combined Authority Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 1 June 2026. Key discussions included the West of England Combined Authority's (WECA) Investment Plan for 2026 and the proposed expansion of WECA to include North Somerset Council.

Bus Services and Transport Infrastructure

Discussions highlighted ongoing efforts to improve bus services, focusing on reliability and frequency, particularly for residents in outer areas. The Kids Go Free scheme was noted for its success in increasing bus usage, especially in deprived areas, and it was confirmed that the scheme would continue. The electrification of bus depots, such as Bath Depot, was mentioned as a positive step towards greener transport.

The committee also discussed the upcoming tender for the Integrated Micromobility Service (IMS) contract, with a focus on ensuring fair pricing and improved compliance with parking regulations. The Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) was presented, outlining high-level allocations by mode. The ongoing work on the Mass Transit programme was acknowledged, with a commitment to building a dedicated team to drive this forward. The Bristol to Bath Corridor project was noted to have a contractual commitment to start by March 2027 and be completed by March 2029.

Housing and Development

The committee reviewed the £45 million Brownfield Housing Fund, aimed at unlocking stalled housing sites across the region. Concerns were raised about the delegation of significant funds before detailed governance and principles were fully established. The Director of Place assured members that an independent investment committee would be at the heart of decision-making for this fund.

The Brabazon development and the West Innovation Arc were discussed in the context of the New Towns Programme. The committee considered the designation of the West Innovation Arc as a non-statutory Mayoral Development Zone, intended to facilitate collaboration and establish a joint delivery team. Concerns were raised by local councillors regarding the impact on existing communities and the need for robust transport solutions to manage the significant increase in population and activity. The Hicks Gate Masterplan, a non-statutory document aiming to guide development across Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire, was also discussed, with an emphasis on the need for clear communication with local councillors and communities.

Skills and Economic Development

The Skills Strategy was presented, structured around three pillars: supporting young people into future jobs, helping adults overcome barriers to work, and promoting lifelong learning. The strategy aims to align training with employer needs and enhance work readiness and employability, with the West of England Baccalaureate (Westbac) being a key initiative. The committee also discussed the potential for increased devolution of powers in the post-16 education space.

Governance and Authority Expansion

The committee considered the Mayor's application for Established Status for the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), a move that is expected to unlock further funding and integrated settlements. The proposed expansion of WECA to include North Somerset Council was also discussed, with the committee noting that the process was nearing completion and expected to be achieved within the calendar year.

Investment Plan and Funding

The WECA Investment Plan for 2026 was presented, aiming to align strategic outcomes with available resources. Members sought greater clarity on project costs, timescales, and affordability checks. The plan includes provisions for integrated ticketing, aiming for a single ticket valid across all modes of transport in the long term. The committee also noted the allocation of £5 million to the Nature Recovery Fund and discussed the potential for synergy between this fund and the Skills Strategy to promote diversity in green sector jobs. The Creative Growth Fund of £25 million was also mentioned, with a future update promised on its distribution.

The committee also received updates on the Delivery Assurance report, the Social Value in Procurement policy, and the Forward Plan of Regional Strategic Work, which includes the development of the Spatial Development Strategy, Transport Strategy, and Sector Plans.