The Mayoral Combined Authority Board of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Council met on Tuesday 24 March 2026, approving a refreshed Corporate Plan and the Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework. The Board also endorsed the initial draft of the South Yorkshire Strategy as a basis for wider stakeholder engagement and noted phase two outputs of the South Yorkshire Growth Plan, delegating authority to the portfolio holder for economic growth to finalise the delivery plan.

The Board formally approved the draft South Yorkshire Creative & Cultural Investment Framework for publication in Spring 2026 and noted its intention to become part of the MCA's strategic framework for future investment decisions. They also approved the establishment of the Don Valley Corridor Programme as a strategic regeneration programme with a coordinated delivery approach between SYMCA, Sheffield City Council, and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, endorsing the designation of a Mayoral Development Zone for the area. The Board noted the successful completion of the Brownfield Housing Fund Programme, which has enabled the development of over 3,700 new homes, and approved the publication of the South Yorkshire Consultation Draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy for public consultation.

Furthermore, the Board reviewed and adopted the Mayor's Vision for Transport and noted its links to the Local Transport Plan. They endorsed the draft 2026/27 Supertram Business Plan and granted delegated authority to the Executive Director of Transport to approve the detailed delivery plan. The Board approved the revised Quarter 3 budget estimates for 2025/26 and adopted the revenue and capital budget estimates for 2026/27, alongside approving the reserve strategy and treasury management strategy for 2026/27. They also noted the formal publication of the 2026/27 Police and Crime Commissioner Precept and the Police and Crime budget. Finally, the Board approved the progression of several investment schemes, the role of SYMCA in signing off the Local Skills Improvement Plan, final grant allocations for adult skills provision, and delegated authority for various grant acceptances and the approval of a change request. They also delegated authority to the Head of Paid Service to enter into legal agreements for these points. The Board noted the proposed amendments to the Assurance Framework to ensure compliance with government requirements and agreed the draft framework for onward publication and submission to government. Lastly, the Board noted the decisions and delegations made since the last meeting.

MCA Corporate Plan Refresh 2026

The Board approved the refresh of the MCA Corporate Plan for 2026. This plan outlines the organisation's vision, mission, objectives, and guiding principles, reflecting recent developments such as devolution and the Integrated Settlement. The refresh is described as light-touch, incorporating feedback from local authorities and MCA staff. The plan will be published with the Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework (ISOF) as an annex.

RESOLVED that the Board:

1. Approves the refresh of the MCA Corporate Plan and notes that the Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework (Annex 3 of the plan) will be included on publication.

Integrated Settlement: Update and Outcomes Framework

The Board received an update on the Integrated Settlement (IS) and its associated Outcomes Framework (ISOF). The ISOF details the outcomes, indicators, and targets agreed with the government in return for IS funding, which consolidates fragmented funding streams into a more flexible arrangement from April 2026. Key targets include improvements in bus patronage, punctuality, and passenger satisfaction, alongside reductions in road casualties, particularly for children. The Board also noted the readiness assessment for the IS, which indicated that SYMCA is broadly at the building to embedded level, with areas of leading practice but also a need for investment in systems and data capabilities. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Mayor, to finalise the ISOF and agree any outstanding targets with the government.

RESOLVED that the Board:

1. Approves the contents of the Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework in its near-final draft, attached.
2. That, given the small number of outstanding targets under discussion with government, that the Board delegates authority to the MCA's Chief Executive Officer in consultation with the Mayor to finalise the Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework and agree any outstanding targets with government, and delegates authority to the S73 Officer to accept the funding.
3. That the Board notes the work on readiness and the emerging findings of the Government assessment.

South Yorkshire Strategy Development

The Board endorsed the initial draft of the South Yorkshire Strategy as the basis for wider stakeholder involvement and engagement. This strategy aims to create a shared regional vision by bringing together local priorities, existing plans, and community insights to maximise collective impact and strengthen regional ways of working. The strategy is built around three long-term ambition statements and eight outcome areas, providing a structure for aligning priorities and tracking impact. The next steps involve engaging with a broader range of partners from health, education, emergency services, business, and the voluntary and community sectors to refine priorities and strengthen regional collaboration.

RESOLVED that the Board:

1. Endorse the initial draft attached as the basis for wider stakeholder involvement and engagement in the continued development of the first South Yorkshire Strategy.

South Yorkshire Growth Plan - Phase Two

The Board noted the phase two outputs of the South Yorkshire Growth Plan and delegated authority to the portfolio holder for economic growth to finalise the delivery plan and publish a revised Growth Plan. The Growth Plan, published in September 2025, sets out the region's economic strategy for the next 10 years, aiming for a bigger, better economy and greater opportunity for residents. The phase two work has focused on clarifying outcomes, metrics, actions, and investment programmes.

RESOLVED that the Board:

1. Note phase two outputs and delegate authority to the portfolio holder for economic growth to finalise the delivery plan and publish a revised Growth Plan.

South Yorkshire Creative & Cultural Investment Framework

The Board formally approved the draft South Yorkshire Creative & Cultural Investment Framework for publication in Spring 2026. This framework establishes six key strategic priorities and investment criteria to guide SYMCA's approach to supporting the region's creative and cultural industries. The priorities include building pride in South Yorkshire's cultural story, activating events and live spaces, strengthening the sector's ecosystem and leadership, investing in people, skills, and talent, supporting places and infrastructure, and fostering enterprise, technology, and innovation. The framework aims to align existing programmes and guide future investment decisions, ensuring that cultural and creative investment contributes to wider regional objectives such as economic growth, skills development, and public service transformation.

RESOLVED that the Board:

1. Formally approves the draft South Yorkshire Creative & Cultural Investment Framework for publication in Spring 2026.
2. Notes the intention for the Framework to become part of the MCA's strategic framework for future investment decisions.

Don Valley Corridor – Programme Development

The Board approved the establishment of the Don Valley Corridor Programme as a strategic regeneration initiative. This programme will coordinate delivery between SYMCA, Sheffield City Council, and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, aiming to unlock significant housing and job growth. The Board also approved the governance structure, which includes a Programme Board, Working Group, Delivery Team, and an Independent Expert Advisory Group. Partners have committed to collectively fund and resource the programme's development and delivery. A no-detriment principle will be applied to future partner funding contributions to enable programme-level funding while retaining each authority's full value. Finally, the Board endorsed the designation of the Don Valley Corridor as a Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ), a non-statutory statement of intent to strengthen national engagement and preserve future delivery options.

RESOLVED that the Board:

1. Approve the establishment of the Don Valley Corridor Programme as a strategic regeneration programme with a coordinated delivery approach between SYMCA, Sheffield City Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.
2. Approve the governance structure, comprising a Don Valley Corridor Programme Board, Don Valley Corridor Working Group, Don Valley Corridor Delivery Team and Independent Expert Advisory Group.
3. Note the relationship between the Don Valley Corridor Governance Structure and existing delivery structures within local authorities.
4. Note the commitment of partners to fund and resource the development and delivery of the programme as a collective endeavour.
5. Endorse the application of a no-detriment principle to future partner funding contributions, enabling programme-level funding while retaining each authority's full value.
6. Endorse the designation of a Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ) for the Don Valley Corridor as a non-statutory statement of intent that strengthens national engagement and preserves future delivery options.

Brownfield Housing Fund Programme

The Board noted the successful completion of the Brownfield Housing Fund (BHF) Programme, which ends on 31st March 2026. The programme has enabled the development of over 3,700 new high-quality homes across South Yorkshire, many incorporating sustainable features like solar panels and air source heat pumps. The Board welcomed the programme's success and requested a future report on the development of a new Housing Fund Programme as part of the Integrated Settlement.

RESOLVED that the Board:

1. Note the updated position on SYMCA's Brownfield Housing Fund (BHF) Programme, which ends on the 31st March 2026.
2. Welcome the success in delivering the BHF Programme, which is enabling over 3,700 new high-quality homes to be built across South Yorkshire that otherwise wouldn't have been developed.
3. Receive a future report on the development of the new Housing Fund Programme as part of the Integrated Settlement.

South Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The Board noted the content of the emerging South Yorkshire Consultation Draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and approved its publication for public consultation in May/June 2026. Delegated authority was given to the SYMCA Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead and Portfolio Chief Executive Lead, to finalise and publish the draft. The LNRS identifies priority locations for nature recovery across South Yorkshire, aiming to create and improve habitats, reverse species decline, and provide benefits for local people and the environment. It will inform policymaking and future investment decisions, promoting biodiversity and climate resilience.

RESOLVED that the Board:

1. Note the content of the emerging South Yorkshire Consultation Draft LNRS.
2. Approve publication of the South Yorkshire Consultation Draft LNRS in May/June 2026, with delegated authority to the SYMCA Chief Executive, in consultation with both the Portfolio Lead and Portfolio Chief Executive Lead, to finalise and publish the Draft for consultation.

Mayor's Transport Vision

The Board reviewed and adopted the Mayor's Vision for Transport, noting its links to the Local Transport Plan. This vision sets out a clear, long-term ambition to transform South Yorkshire's transport network, focusing on people-centred, affordable, safe, and sustainable travel. It aims to support economic growth, connect communities, improve air quality, and reduce carbon emissions. Key elements include bus franchising, renewing and expanding the tram network, delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail, and reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The vision will guide future investment and shape the development of the regional transport strategy.

RESOLVED that the Board:

1. Review and adopt the Mayor's Vision for Transport
2. Note the links to the Local Transport Plan

Supertram 2026/27 Business Plan

The Board endorsed the draft 2026/27 Supertram Business Plan, noting that it had informed the MCA's 2026/27 budget allocation to SYFTL. The plan focuses on customer experience, operational improvements, and significant asset investment, including rail replacement and upgrades to the tram fleet and stops. Key priorities include maintaining the fares freeze, developing options for enhanced evening services, improving customer information, and consulting on a new tram fleet. Delegated authority was granted to the Executive Director of Transport to approve the detailed delivery plan developed by SYFTL.

RESOLVED that the Board:

1. Endorse the draft 2026/27 Supertram Business Plan, which is attached as Appendix A.
2. Notes that the draft 2026/27 Supertram Business Plan has informed the MCA's 2026/27 budget allocation to SYFTL as per the MCA's Local Transport Authority revenue budget approved by the MCA Board in January 2026.
3. Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director of Transport to approve the detailed delivery plan developed by the wholly-owned tram operating company, South Yorkshire Future Trams Limited.

Annual Group Budget & Treasury Management Strategy 2026/27

The Board approved the revised Quarter 3 budget estimates for the financial year 2025/26 and adopted the revenue and capital budget estimates for the financial year 2026/27. They also approved the reserve strategy and treasury management strategy for 2026/27, along with proposed movements in reserves. The Board noted the formal publication of the 2026/27 Police and Crime Commissioner Precept and the Police and Crime budget. Delegated authority was granted to the Section 73 Officer to accept grant awards and vary the budget accordingly. The budget reflects the largest funding envelope ever provided by the combined authority, including integrated settlement funding, and allocates resources for key priorities such as bus franchising, housing, transport, and regeneration.

RESOLVED that the Board:

1. Approves the revised Quarter 3 budget estimates for financial year 2025/26;
2. Approves the adoption of the revenue and capital budget estimates for financial year 2026/27;
3. Approves the reserve strategy for financial year 2026/27;
4. Approves the treasury management strategy for financial year 2026/27;
5. Approves the proposed movements in reserves set out in Appendix A to support the adopted reserve strategy;
6. Notes that the Mayor formally published the 2026/27 Police and Crime Commissioner Precept on 28 February 2026;
7. Notes the Police and Crime budget approved by the Mayor as presented at appendix E; and,
8. Delegates authority to the Section 73 Officer to accept a number of grant awards and vary the budget to accommodate them, as necessary.

Programme Performance and Approvals Report

The Board reviewed the performance of the MCA's externally funded capital and revenue programmes up to the end of Quarter 3 2025/26. They approved the progression of several investment schemes, including the Melton Road to Boat Inn Trans Pennie Trail Improvements (£1.22m grant to City of Doncaster Council), the South Yorkshire Strategic Transport Model (£1.74m grant to SYMCA), and the Kendray School Links Active Travel Scheme (£0.398m grant to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council). Delegated authority was granted for the progression of IZ0035 (£4.5m grant to Company IZ0035). The Board also approved SYMCA's role in signing off the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and delegated authority for its draft and final submission. Final grant allocations totalling £34.36m were approved for learning organisations for the Adult Skills Fund and Free Courses for Jobs for the 2026/27 Academic Year. An allocation of up to £10m was approved for procured Adult Skills provision in the 2026/27 Academic Year, with delegated authority for grant and contract awards. Delegated authority was also granted for the development and agreement of local delivery model flexibilities for Skills Bootcamps. The Board approved the acceptance of ten grants totalling £22m from various government departments and organisations, including £9.42m from MHCLG for Supported Housing and £1.55m from MHCLG for Spatial Development Strategy preparation. Approval was also given for a change request related to the Tech South Yorkshire project. Finally, delegated authority was granted to the Head of Paid Service to enter into legal agreements for these points.

RESOLVED that the Board approves:

1. Performance of the MCA's externally funded capital and revenue programmes to the end of Q3 2025/26.
2. Progression of Melton Road to Boat Inn Trans Pennie Trail Improvements to full approval and award of £1.22m grant to City of Doncaster Council, subject to the conditions set out in Assurance Summary C.
3. Progression of South Yorkshire Strategic Transport Model to full approval and award of £1.74m grant to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority as detailed in 2.2.
4. Progression of Kendray School Links Active Travel Scheme to full approval and award of £0.398m grant to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC), subject to the conditions set out in Assurance Summary D.
5. Delegated authority to the Head of Paid Service, in consultation with Mayor Oliver Coppard in his position as Portfolio Lead for Economic Growth, Section 73 and Monitoring Officer for consideration of the following: a) Progression of IZ0035 to full approval and award of c£4.5m grant to Company IZ0035 as detailed in section 2.8.
6. Approve the formal role of SYMCA in sign off of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), and delegate authority to the Executive Director of Growth, Business and Skills in consultation with the Portfolio Leads for Education, Training and Skills to approve the draft and final submission of the LSIP as detailed in section 2.11;
7. Approve final grant allocations totalling £34.36m for learning organisations for delivery of Adult Skills Fund and Free Courses for Jobs for 2026/27 Academic Year, as detailed in section 2.11;
8. Approve allocation of up to £10m for procured provision for delivery of Adult Skills provision in Academic Year 2026/27, and delegate approval to the Executive Director of Growth, Business and Skills, in consultation with the Portfolio Leads for Education, Training and Skills, to award grant and contracts, as detailed in section 2.11;
9. Delegate authority to the Executive Director for Growth Business and Skills in consultation with the Portfolio Leads for Education, Training and Skills, to develop and agree local delivery model flexibilities for Skills Bootcamps, as detailed in section 2.12;
10. Approve the acceptance of £0.208m grant from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) to progress the Advanced Zoning Programme programme as detailed in 2.24;
11. Approve the acceptance of £9.42m grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to fund Supported Housing as part of the Integrated Settlement as detailed in 2.24;
12. Approve the acceptance of £1.55m grant from MHCLG for to support both additional capacity and work to progress the preparation of the South Yorkshire Spatial Development Strategy as detailed in 2.24;
13. Approve the acceptance of £0.07m grant from UKDI and for SYMCA to act as accountable body for the Yorkshire Regional Defence and Security Cluster as detailed in 2.24.
14. Approve the acceptance of £0.18m grant from MHCLG for place-based budget pilot capacity as detailed in 2.24,
15. Approve the acceptance of c£0.05m from Connected Places Catapult as detailed in 2.24,
16. Note the acceptance of £0.13m grant from DfE for Further Education Teacher Industry Exchange as detailed in 2.24;
17. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Growth, Business and Skills, in consultation with the Portfolio Leads for Education, Training and Skills, to develop delivery model, submit proposals, and accept up to £0.7m grant from the Careers and Enterprise Company for the delivery of the Careers Hub detailed at section 2.24;
18. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Growth, Business and Skills, in consultation with Portfolio Leads for Economic Growth to submit proposals for and accept up to £7.5m from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology for the delivery of Robotics Adoption Hubs detailed at section 2.24;
19. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Growth, Business and Skills, in consultation with Portfolio Leads for Economic Growth to submit proposals for and accept up to £2.5m from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology for the delivery of Robotics Adoption Programme Skills Development detailed at section 2.24; and
20. Approval of change request as detailed in section 2.25
21. Delegate authority to the Head of Paid Service in consultation with the Section 73 and Monitoring Officer to enter into legal agreements for the points above.

Assurance Framework 2026

The Board noted the proposed amendments to the Assurance Framework, which had been developed to ensure compliance with government requirements and recent guidance. The framework sets out how SYMCA will use public money responsibly and transparently. Key updates include new sections on the Integrated Settlement and the emerging South Yorkshire Strategy, revised governance arrangements with the introduction of new boards, and structural changes within the programme management team. The Board was invited to consider any further changes they wished to incorporate before the framework is submitted to the government for approval.

RESOLVED that the Board:

1. Note the proposed amendments to the Assurance Framework to ensure compliance with the Government's requirements and most recent issued guidance.
2. Consider any further changes they wish to incorporate for governance, risk management, funding approvals or decision-making arrangements from 1 April 2026.
3. Agree the draft Assurance Framework in Appendix A for onward publication and submission to Government.

Decisions and Delegated Authority Report

The Board noted the decisions and delegations made since the previous meeting. The Chief Executive highlighted the significance of recent decisions relating to bus franchising, including progress towards fleet electrification, noting this as an important milestone demonstrating the scale and impact of delivery across the region.

RESOLVED that the Board note the decisions and delegations made.

Any Other Business

Before formally closing the meeting, the Mayor congratulated Sheffield on the news that the city had secured a new multiyear deal to retain the World Snooker Championships at the Crucible until at least 2045, which had just been publicly announced. Members also welcomed the news, highlighting that the announcement would benefit snooker fans and theatregoers.

The meeting concluded with a round of applause for Sheffield's success.