The Combined Authority Board of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council met on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. Key discussions included the Local Transport Delivery Plan, the Cambridgeshire Local Area Energy Plan, and updates on future devolution opportunities. The Board approved the Local Transport Delivery Plan for 2026/27 and endorsed the Cambridgeshire Local Area Energy Plan as a strategic framework for the county's energy transition. They also received updates on devolution, including progress towards Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status.

Local Transport Delivery Plan and Capital Transport Funding

The Board approved the Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) for 2026/27, which will be submitted to the government by the deadline of 20 March 2026. Draft indicative LTDPs for the following three years were also noted, with opportunities for further revisions before their final submission in September 2026. The Board also approved the process for reviewing the Transport Capital Programme (gainshare) and delegated authority to the Assistant Director - Transport, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Transport Committee, to make minor amendments to the LTDP. It was recognised that Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council are the statutory highway authorities and operate their own prioritisation frameworks. The Board agreed that all Active Travel, Highway Maintenance, and Local Transport Grant funding would continue to be passported in full to these highway authorities, provided delivery remains consistent with the overarching Local Transport and Connectivity Plan and the approved LTDP. Crucially, the Board recommended that no material caveats, exclusions, or restrictions on eligible expenditure categories would be imposed without prior consideration by the Transport Committee and subsequent approval by the Combined Authority Board.

Cambridgeshire Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP)

The Board endorsed the Cambridgeshire Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) as a crucial evidence base to inform strategies and plans for local energy infrastructure. This plan will guide the county's transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon, and resilient energy system, supporting future growth and the achievement of net zero by 2045. The LAEP highlights significant infrastructure needs, including the installation of approximately 236,580 heat pumps in domestic buildings and 20,220 in non-domestic buildings by 2045. It also forecasts a substantial increase in electricity demand, projected to reach 6,620 GWh/annum by 2045, necessitating significant investment in local renewable generation and electrical network upgrades. The plan identifies priority areas for intervention, particularly in Fenland and Huntingdonshire, and emphasizes the need for collaboration between local authorities, energy providers, businesses, and communities. The LAEP modelling suggests that a Holistic Transition scenario offers the best balance of costs and benefits, achieving a 93.7% reduction in county-wide emissions by 2045.

Update on Future Devolution Opportunities

The Board received an update on the progress of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which is expected to receive Royal Assent before the summer recess. This legislation, along with the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and the Railways Bill, will confer additional responsibilities on the Combined Authority. The Board noted the work underway to prepare for these new powers, including the development of a Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) and the potential transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner functions. A key development is the intention to apply for Established Mayoral Strategic Authority (EMSA) status once the Devolution Bill is enacted. This status is crucial for unlocking a multi-year integrated settlement with central government, providing greater flexibility and opportunity for the region. The application will be informed by the ongoing Gateway Review, which assesses the impact of investments on local economic growth.

Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP)

The Board was asked to approve the submission of an application to Visit England for accreditation as a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The proposed LVEP is a partnership model involving eight Destination Management Organisations (DMOs)/Destination Organisations (DOs), local authorities, and the Combined Authority as the lead and accountable body. This initiative aims to strengthen regional tourism, drive inclusive economic growth, and enhance the visitor experience through improved place management and sustainable development. The Board was also asked to note progress on the emerging Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Destination Management Plan (DMP), which outlines strategic priorities for the visitor economy, including regional partnerships, economic growth, visitor experience enhancement, and brand elevation.

Recommendations from Growth Committee: Cambridgeshire Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP)

The Board endorsed the Cambridgeshire Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) as a vital evidence base to inform strategies and plans for local energy infrastructure. This plan is crucial for guiding the county's transition to a sustainable, low-carbon, and resilient energy system, supporting future growth and net zero targets. The LAEP highlights significant infrastructure needs, including a substantial increase in heat pump installations and EV charging points, and emphasizes the necessity of network upgrades to accommodate rising demand. The Board noted the plan's findings on the economic benefits of the clean energy transition, projecting significant GVA contributions and bill savings.

Recommendations from Skills Committee: Youth Employment / NEET Strategy and Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)

The Board was asked to approve the development of a Youth Employment / NEET Strategy for 14–25-year-olds across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. This strategy aims to provide a coordinated approach to supporting young people not in education, employment, or training. The Board was also asked to endorse the inception note and storyboard for the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026-2029. The LSIP is a crucial mechanism for aligning skills provision with local labour market needs and advancing the government's Opportunity and Growth Missions. The Board delegated authority to the Assistant Director for Skills & Employment, in consultation with the Chair of the Skills Committee, to finalise the engagement plan and approve draft versions of the LSIP before its submission to Skills England and the Secretary of State.

Recommendations from Transport Committee: Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) and Capital Transport Funding

The Board was asked to approve the Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) for 2026/27, which translates adopted transport strategies into a deliverable investment programme. Draft indicative LTDPs for subsequent years were also noted. The Board was asked to approve the process for reviewing the Transport Capital Programme (gainshare) and delegate authority for minor amendments to the LTDP to the Assistant Director - Transport, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Transport Committee. The Board also recognised the statutory highway authority roles of Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council and agreed that all Active Travel, Highway Maintenance, and Local Transport Grant funding would continue to be passported to them, provided delivery aligns with the LTDP and government outcomes. Crucially, the Board recommended that no material restrictions on eligible expenditure categories would be imposed without prior consideration by the Transport Committee and approval by the Combined Authority Board.

Business Board

The Board was asked to approve new Terms of Reference for the Business Board, which will serve as an advisory body to the Mayor and CPCA officers, focusing on the Local Growth Plan's priority sectors. The Board was also asked to approve the Mayor's nominations for the new Business Board membership and agree to retire the current Business Board members effective from 31 March 2026. The new Business Board will comprise senior business leaders representing key sectors and opportunity zones across the region, aiming to provide strategic insights, support national and international engagement, and influence government policy.

Chief Executive Highlights Report

Rob Bridge, Chief Executive, provided an update on key activities and developments. This included preparations for UKREiiF 2026, the Mayoral Innovation Exchange, and the Cambridge x Manchester Partnership. He also reported on a Gateway Review Challenge Session with officials from MHCLG and HM Treasury, highlighting the Combined Authority's transformation and its recognition as a major growth engine for the UK. Updates were also given on the Local Growth Plan roundtables, the Youth Guarantee programme, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing with Great British Energy to drive clean energy deployment.

Q3 Budget Monitoring Report

Janice Gotts, Executive Director Resources, presented the Q3 Budget Monitoring Report for 2025/26. The report indicated that the authority was operating within its overall financial envelope, with a forecast revenue underspend of £10.4 million. Requests were made to carry forward £4.4 million of spending to 2026/27 to ensure continuity of delivery for various projects. Significant underspends were noted in Economy and Growth (£6.6 million), primarily due to delays in boot camp programmes and innovation funding, and Place and Connectivity (£2.9 million), linked to the Net Zero programme and active travel schemes. The capital programme showed a forecast underspend of approximately £12 million. Approval was sought to carry forward £10.966 million of approved capital budgets and £8.235 million of subject to approval allocations.

Q3 Corporate Performance Report

Daniel Buckridge, Performance and Evaluation Manager, presented the Q3 Corporate Performance Report for 2025/26. The report highlighted that nine out of thirteen updated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were moving in the preferred direction of travel, with nine meeting or exceeding targets. Positive results were noted for new home starts and completions. However, bus punctuality and the proportion of adult learner funding spent on provision aimed at reducing skills shortages in priority sectors showed slight decreases. The report also detailed the RAG ratings for strategic programmes and projects, with one project, the Signet Bridge project in Peterborough, rated as Red due to design assurance process delays.

Corporate Risk Report

Nathan presented the Corporate Risk Report for February 2026, noting 18 risks on the register, with no red very high risks. Five risks were rated amber high, seven yellow medium, and six green low. Two risks were identified as above appetite: fraud occurring within CPCA, and the risk that the Bus Reform Programme may not be delivered in line with the Mayoral decision of March 2025. Four new risks had been added, including those related to the Local Mediation Action Plan, the adoption of artificial intelligence tools, fraud, and economic growth falling below Local Growth Plan projections. One risk concerning the HR system implementation had been closed.

Funding Decisions

The Board noted various Chief Executive approvals for projects under £2 million, made in accordance with the Single Assurance Framework.

Recommendations from the Skills Committee

The Board received recommendations from the Skills Committee concerning the development of a Youth Employment / NEET Strategy for 14–25-year-olds and the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026–2029. The Board was asked to approve the development of the Youth Employment / NEET Strategy and delegate authority for its finalisation and implementation. They were also asked to endorse the LSIP inception note and storyboard, and delegate authority for the approval of draft and final versions of the LSIP.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The Board resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the discussion of Item 22, Peterborough Bus Depot, due to the potential disclosure of exempt information.

Peterborough Bus Depot

This item was discussed in private session.

Business Board

The Board was asked to review and approve new Terms of Reference for the Business Board, which will serve as an advisory body to the Mayor and CPCA officers. The Board was also asked to approve the Mayor's nominations for the new Business Board membership and agree to retire the current Business Board members effective from 31 March 2026. The new Business Board will comprise senior business leaders representing key sectors and opportunity zones across the region.

The meeting was confirmed as CONFIRMED_HELD.