The Mayoral Combined Authority Board of South Yorkshire met on Tuesday 24 March 2026, approving a refreshed corporate plan, the Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework, and the South Yorkshire Strategy development. Key decisions were also made regarding transport, including the adoption of the Mayor's Transport Vision and the Supertram business plan, alongside the approval of the annual group budget and treasury management strategy.

Mayor's Transport Vision and Supertram Business Plan

The Board reviewed and adopted the Mayor's Vision for Transport, a long-term plan aiming to transform the region's transport network to support economic growth, improve connectivity, and address environmental challenges. This vision is intrinsically linked to the Local Transport Plan, which will provide detailed policies and delivery plans. The Board also endorsed the draft 2026/27 Supertram Business Plan, which outlines priorities for the tram network, including fare freezes, investment in infrastructure, and improvements to customer experience. This plan has informed the MCA's budget allocation to South Yorkshire Future Trams Limited (SYFTL).

Budget and Treasury Management Strategy

A balanced budget of approximately £963 million for the financial year 2026/27 was approved, representing the largest funding envelope ever provided by the Combined Authority. This budget includes significant capital investment for more buses, homes, trams, and regeneration projects across South Yorkshire. The Board also approved the Treasury Management Strategy, outlining how the MCA will manage its debt, cash flows, and investment portfolio, with a focus on security, liquidity, and yield.

Integrated Settlement and Corporate Plan

The Board approved the Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework (ISOF), which details the outcomes, indicators, and targets agreed with the Government for the period April 2026 to March 2029. This framework is crucial for accessing the Integrated Settlement funding. Additionally, the refreshed MCA Corporate Plan for 2025-2028 was approved, providing a clear outline of the MCA's objectives and how it intends to achieve them, reflecting recent developments in devolution and the Integrated Settlement.

South Yorkshire Strategy and Growth Plan

The initial draft of the South Yorkshire Strategy was endorsed as the basis for wider stakeholder involvement and engagement. This strategy aims to create a shared vision for the region's future by aligning local priorities and existing plans. Phase Two outputs of the South Yorkshire Growth Plan were noted, and authority was delegated to the portfolio holder for economic growth to finalise the delivery plan and publish the revised Growth Plan.

Creative and Cultural Investment Framework and Don Valley Corridor

The South Yorkshire Creative and Cultural Investment Framework was formally approved for publication. This framework sets out six strategic priorities to guide investment in the region's creative and cultural industries. The Board also approved the establishment of the Don Valley Corridor Programme as a strategic regeneration initiative, with a coordinated delivery approach between SYMCA, Sheffield City Council, and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. A Mayoral Development Zone designation for the Don Valley Corridor was also endorsed.

Brownfield Housing Fund and Local Nature Recovery Strategy

An update on the successful completion of the £65 million Brownfield Housing Programme was noted, which has enabled the development of over 3,700 new homes. A future report on the development of a new Housing Fund Programme as part of the Integrated Settlement was requested. The Board also approved the publication of the South Yorkshire Consultation Draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for public consultation.

Other Key Decisions

The Board noted the decisions and delegations made since the last meeting, as detailed in the Delegated Authority Report.