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Audit and Governance Committee - Thursday, 25th June, 2026 10.00 am
June 25, 2026 at 10:00 am Audit and Governance Committee View on council websiteSummary
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The Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority met on Thursday, 25 June 2026, to discuss a range of important matters including the strategic delivery plan for bus franchising, updates to the ethical framework, and the review of the Authority's constitution. Key decisions included the approval of updated terms of reference for the committee and the adoption of a revised Gifts and Hospitality Policy, subject to a £50 registration limit.
The committee received a comprehensive update on the bus franchising initiative, noting the Mayor's Independent Review and the subsequent Strategic Delivery Plan designed to address key concerns. Discussions also covered the administration of the ethical framework, including the Code of Conduct and Gifts and Hospitality Policy, with resolutions made to recommend updates to the Combined Authority Board. Furthermore, the committee reviewed the draft Statement of Accounts and Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26, and noted the provisional audit planning report for the same period.
Bus Franchising: Strategic Delivery Plan and Next Steps
The committee noted the Mayor's Independent Review into the implementation pathways for the CPCA Bus Franchising Scheme and the recommendations presented. Officers have developed a Strategic Delivery Plan (SDP) in response to the review's findings to address key concerns. Members were invited to provide feedback on this plan. Additional work is planned for the SDP, including further consultation on Service Permits and revisions to the original outline business case.
Monitoring Officer Update on the Ethical Framework
The committee received an update from the Monitoring Officer regarding the administration of the ethical framework. This included details of Code of Conduct complaints handled between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026. The committee resolved to make comments and recommendations to the Monitoring Officer concerning the ethical framework's administration. A key decision was to recommend to the Combined Authority Board the adoption of updates to Chapter 16 of the CPCA Constitution and the Code of Conduct. Additionally, the updated Gifts and Hospitality Policy for the Mayor, Elected Members, and Co-Opted Members was approved, with the proposed registration threshold for gifts and hospitality remaining at £50. The committee also considered and noted a letter from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Audit and Governance Committee - Review of Terms of Reference
The committee reviewed updated Terms of Reference, as detailed in Appendix A, and recommended their approval to the Combined Authority Board.
2025/26 Treasury Management Outturn Report
The committee reviewed and noted the actual performance for the year ending 31 March 2026 against the adopted prudential and treasury indicators. The report indicated that the Authority's cash balances were well managed, with treasury investments at 31 March 2026 significantly exceeding the forecast. The average rate of return on investments was noted, and benchmarking data showed that the CPCA achieved higher than average returns while maintaining a high proportion of funds invested for longer periods with counterparties of the same average service score.
Draft Statement of Accounts and Annual Governance Statement 2025/26
The committee noted the draft Annual Governance Statement 2025/26 and the draft Statement of Accounts 2025/26. The report highlighted that the Authority's accounts have been disclaimed for the past three years, but a significant step is anticipated for the 2025/26 accounts, moving from a disclaimed opinion to a qualified opinion. This reflects progress in rebuilding audit assurance, with the expectation of an unqualified opinion for the 2026/27 accounts.
External Audit - 2025/26 Provisional Audit Planning Report
The committee noted the External Audit – Provisional Audit Planning Report 2025/26. The report indicated that the risk assessment remained largely unchanged from the prior year, with the exception of the valuation of property, plants and equipment due to changes in SIPFA indexation. The materiality levels were noted as being set on the prior year financial statements and would be updated with the draft 2025/26 financial statements. No significant risks or weaknesses were identified in respect to value for money at that point.
Internal Audit Updates
The committee received several updates on internal audit activities. The Internal Auditor's progress report was noted, as was the draft Annual Internal Report 2025/26. The committee approved the Internal Audit Plan and associated Internal Audit Charter for 2026/27 - 2028/29. Progress on the implementation of internal audit actions was also noted and endorsed.
CPCA Update
The Executive Director for Resources provided an update on recent CPCA activities, including progress on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, the Mayor's application for established status, and updates on the Overnight Visitor Levy Bill and other legislative proposals. Engagement events, including an All-Member Information Day and the UK Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment Fund event, were also highlighted. Updates were provided on the Local Growth Plan Opportunity Zones, the Skills for Cambridge and Peterborough Working Plan, and Housing and Regeneration initiatives, including the receipt of £26 million in Brownfield funding. The Combined Authority Infrastructure Partnership (CAIP) and the positive outcome of the Authority's gateway review, confirming continued investment fund for another five years, were also noted.
Other Matters
The committee also noted the date of the next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, 10 September 2026. Following the conclusion of open business, the press and public were excluded from the meeting for exempt items. The committee became inquorate during the discussion of the Corporate Risk Register and Deep Dive, meaning no decisions could be taken on the remaining business. The deep dive into Peterborough Station Quarter was deferred to a future meeting.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Monitoring Officer Update on the Administration of the Ethical Framework, including the Code of Conduct and Gifts and Hospitality
For DeterminationThe Audit and Governance Committee resolved to note an update on the ethical framework, including Code of Conduct complaints dealt with between June 2025 and May 2026. They also resolved to recommend updates to the CPCA Constitution and Code of Conduct to the Combined Authority Board, and approved an updated Gifts and Hospitality Policy. The committee also considered and noted a letter from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
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External Audit - 2025/26 External Audit Plan
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority noted the External Audit – Provisional Audit Planning Report 2025/26 on 25 June 2026. The report provided a basis for reviewing the proposed audit approach and scope for the 2025/26 audit.
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Internal Audit - Progress Report
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee noted the Internal Auditor’s progress report on 25/06/2026. The report provided an update on progress against the 2025/26 and 2026/27 Internal Audit Plans. The committee noted that one further report in relation to Recruitment and Retention had been finalised, resulting in a Substantial Assurance opinion.
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Re-Admittance of Press and Public
Recommendations ApprovedThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council resolved to re-admit the press and public on 25 June 2026.
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Standing Items - Updates and Comments
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee received an update on Fraud Prevention and Local Government Reorganisation. There were no Health and Safety updates to report.
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Exclusion of Press and Public
Recommendations ApprovedThe Audit and Governance Committee resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting on 25 June 2026. This decision was made because the next item of business contained exempt information under Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.
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Declaration of Interests
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council noted that there were no declarations of interest made on 25/06/2026.
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Procurement Update
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority noted the contents of the Procurement and Grant Update report on 25 June 2026. The report provided a comparison of procurement behaviour and grant awards between 2024 and 2025. The committee will continue to monitor shifts in procurement routes and is implementing a new e-tendering portal for improved oversight.
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Date of Next Meeting
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee noted the date of its next meeting. The next meeting was scheduled for 10am on Thursday 10th September 2026 at Pathfinder House, Huntingdon.
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Apologies for Absence
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee noted apologies for absence on 25/06/2026. Councillor Mark Inskip sent apologies, with Councillor Christine Whelan substituting and Councillor Gary Inskip also absent.
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Exclusion of the Press and Public
Recommendations ApprovedThe Audit and Governance Committee decided to exclude the press and public from the meeting on 25 June 2026. Recommendations were approved.
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Internal Audit - Draft Annual Report
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority noted the draft Annual Report and Internal Audit Opinion on 25/06/2026. The report summarised internal audit work completed during the year.
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Work Programme
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee noted the draft work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year on 25 June 2026. It was suggested that the Spatial Development Strategy be included as a potential area for inclusion.
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Bus Franchising: Independent Review into Bus Franchising Implementation Pathways, Strategic Delivery Plan and Next Steps
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee noted the Mayor's Independent Review into Bus Franchising Implementation Pathways and the Strategic Delivery Plan. Officers have produced the Strategic Delivery Plan to address key concerns identified in the review. The committee also noted additional work on Service Permits and changes to the business case.
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Internal Audit Action Tracker Report
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee noted and endorsed progress on the implementation of internal audit actions on 25 June 2026. The committee reviewed updates on actions related to Budget Setting and Budgetary Control and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
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Election of Vice-Chair
Recommendations ApprovedAudit and Governance Committee decided that Councillor Paul Hodgson-Jones was appointed as Vice-Chair of the Committee. This decision was made on 25/06/2026.
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Corporate Risk Register and Deep Dive
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee noted the Corporate Risk Register, Dashboard, and Heatmap for May 2026. The deep dive into Peterborough Station Quarter was deferred to a future meeting.
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Future Provision of Internal Audit
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2025/26 Treasury Management Outurn Report
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee reviewed and noted the 2025/26 Treasury Management Outturn Report on 25 June 2026. The committee reviewed the actual performance against adopted prudential and treasury indicators.
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CPCA Update
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee noted an update on recent Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority activities on 25 June 2026.
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Minutes of the previous meeting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Audit and Governance Committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 5 March 2026. The Committee also noted the Action Log and progress made against identified actions. Officers will review the Committee's Terms of Reference and present proposed amendments in the new municipal year.
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Chair's Announcements
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee noted the Chair's announcements on 25/06/2026. The Chair welcomed new and returning members to the first meeting of the municipal year.
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Draft Statement of Account and Annual Governance Statement 2025/26
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority noted the draft Annual Governance Statement 2025/26 and the draft Statement of Accounts 2025/26 on 25/06/2026.
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Constitution Update
Recommendations ApprovedThe Audit and Governance Committee noted changes to the Constitution due to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 on 25 June 2026. The Committee agreed to reconvene the Constitution Working Group to consider further updates.
