The Combined Authority Board of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough met on Wednesday 3 June 2026, approving the Forward Plan for June 2026 and changes to the Constitution. The Board also noted updates on the State of the Region review and the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act.

State of the Region Review

The Board received an update on the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough State of the Region Review for Q1 2026/27. This review forms the Combined Authority's evidence base for investment decisions, business case development, and policy and strategy making. The Board noted the findings, which highlighted the region as a labour market of major assets, including a world-leading science and innovation cluster. However, the review also identified stark inequalities across the region, with some communities experiencing significantly poorer outcomes. Structural challenges, such as transport connectivity in rural areas and environmental risks, were also noted. The Board commented on plans to disseminate the report and further develop its data portal, as well as the Authority's national and pan-regional data leadership activities.

English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act Update

An update was provided on key aspects of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, which aims to rebalance power from central government to local communities. The Act establishes a three-tier devolution framework: Foundation Authorities, Mayoral Strategic Authorities (which Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority currently is), and Established Mayoral Authorities. The Act defines nine areas of competence for devolution, including transport, skills, housing, economic development, environment, health, public safety, culture, and rural and coastal affairs. The Board noted the update on wider legislation relevant to increased devolution, such as the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and the Railways Bill. Current work to apply for Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status was also noted, with Board approval to be sought in July 2026.

Updates to the Constitution

The Board approved proposed changes to the Combined Authority's Constitution. These updates are necessary due to recent legislative changes, including the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, which grants enhanced powers to Mayors. The changes include provisions for the Mayor to convene meetings, seek collaboration with neighbouring Mayors, and appoint Commissioners. Updates also reflect the inclusion of councillors and Mayors in the Local Government Pension Scheme and revised officer delegations for the Greater South East Net Zero Hub.

Draft Outturn Budget Monitoring Report 2025/26

The Board noted the unaudited draft outturn position for the 2025/26 financial year. The Combined Authority is forecasting an underspend of £25.8 million against its revenue budget of £99.1 million. This underspend is largely attributed to delays in project delivery and lower than anticipated enrolment levels for skills programmes. The Board approved carry-forward requests totalling £18.1 million from 2025/26 to be profiled across the Medium-Term Financial Plan. For capital expenditure, the report showed a spend of £68.6 million against a total budget of £92.8 million, resulting in an underspend of £24.1 million. Significant underspends were noted in the Economy and Growth directorate, particularly relating to the Business and Social Investment Programme and FE Cold Spots, and in Place and Connectivity, notably the GSE Net Zero Hub and Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Programme. The Board approved revised carry-forward requests of £18.1 million for the revenue programme and £21.9 million for the capital programme.

Update from Business Board

The Board noted the summary report from the Business Board meeting held on 13 May 2026. The meeting was the first for the newly appointed members and focused on the Local Growth Plan, priority sectors, and the proposed Spatial Development Strategy. The Business Board expressed keen interest in the Spatial Development Strategy and offered their support for policy development.

Forward Plan

The Board approved the Forward Plan for June 2026.

Chief Executive Highlights Report

The Board noted the content of the Chief Executive's Highlights Report, which provided an update on key activities, developments, risks, and opportunities for the Combined Authority and the Mayor since the last Board meeting. This included updates on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, the King's Speech announcements, the upcoming All Member Information Day, and the UKREiiF 2026 event.

Public Questions

One public question was received from Councillor Brenda Barber of Fenland District Council regarding the state of local roads and pothole repairs. The Mayor acknowledged the concerns and highlighted that while road maintenance is the statutory responsibility of Cambridgeshire County Council, the Combined Authority is funding a trial to investigate more resilient construction and maintenance approaches for roads affected by peat soils. He also confirmed that over £33 million had been provided to Cambridgeshire County Council for road repairs. Councillor Barber raised a supplementary question about Sutton Road (A1101), and the Mayor offered to visit the site personally.

The meeting was held on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.