The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) met on Tuesday 7 July 2026 to discuss significant legislative changes, the integration of fire and rescue services, the South Yorkshire Strategy, bus franchising, and the committee's work plan. Key decisions included the election of Councillor Tim Huggan as Chair and Councillor Brian Steele as Vice-Chair, and the committee's agreement to incorporate a review of scrutiny arrangements into its work plan.

English Devolution and Fire Integration

The committee received an update on the implications of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. Andy Gates, Director of Strategy, Collaboration and Culture at SYMCA, explained that the Act codifies existing devolution arrangements and introduces new powers, including increased authority over strategic planning, a health improvement duty, and expanded financial powers. The Act also reforms scrutiny functions, granting the committee greater powers to summon individuals and access information.

A significant discussion focused on the potential integration of fire and rescue services into SYMCA's responsibilities. David Peet, Director for Fire Service Integration, outlined that the Act designates mayors as responsible for fire and rescue services where geographical areas align, as is the case in South Yorkshire. The mayor will be responsible for the Community Risk Management Plan, fire budgets, and the appointment of the Chief Fire Officer. Concerns were raised about the financial implications of fire and rescue services not being ring-fenced, and the potential for this to impact other SYMCA budgets. The committee was assured that safeguards would be in place, including the scrutiny of budget proposals and material changes to spending.

Councillor Joshua Bacon proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Brian Steele, that the MCA board review and implement the scrutiny protocol in full, and expedite the implementation of wider scrutiny changes. This motion was agreed to be incorporated into the committee's work programme.

South Yorkshire Strategy Update

Debbie Squire, Principal for Strategy Development at SYMCA, presented an update on the South Yorkshire Strategy, which aims to create a healthier, more prosperous, and better-connected region. The strategy, developed collaboratively with local authorities and stakeholders, sets out shared ambitions and outcome areas. Engagement with a wider range of stakeholders had highlighted strong support for the strategy, with feedback suggesting areas for strengthening, including the role of the VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) sector and the clarity of delivery mechanisms. The committee discussed how the strategy would ensure local priorities were not diluted and how measurable benefits would be delivered to residents.

Bus Franchising Update

Matt Goggins, Director of Bus Reform at SYMCA, provided an update on the bus franchising programme. The decision to move to bus franchising was taken in March 2025, with the aim of improving reliability, integration, accessibility, and environmental performance. Key milestones achieved include the acquisition of six bus depots and the launch of procurement for the first batch of new buses. The first phase of franchised services is targeted for Sheffield and Doncaster in September 2027, with full rollout by the end of the decade. Passengers in Doncaster can expect to see fleet renewal, with new, more accessible, zero-emission buses. The committee discussed how success would be measured, with a key indicator being the halt and subsequent growth in bus patronage. The challenges of connectivity in rural areas and for shift workers were also discussed, with plans for demand-responsive services and matching vehicle size to demand.

Draft Committee Work Plan 2026/27

The committee reviewed the draft work plan for 2026/27, developed through a collaborative workshop. Members discussed the challenges of ensuring sufficient focus on the impact of MCA decisions on different places within South Yorkshire, given the increasing scale of devolved powers and investment programmes. It was agreed that the work plan would be a living document, with ongoing discussions about how to prioritise and scrutinise effectively. A recommendation was made to include a specific project focus on English devolution and scrutiny as a function within the work plan.

The committee also discussed the need for greater involvement from members with specific expertise from local authorities and the importance of ensuring adequate capacity and support for scrutiny activities. The differing scrutiny models across South Yorkshire's local authorities were noted, with an acknowledgement that a one size fits all approach may not be appropriate.

The committee was asked to note the contents of the reports and presentations and to suggest areas of focus for its work plan. The Chair indicated that further discussions would take place regarding the work programme and the establishment of working or project groups.