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, and the ongoing bus franchising programme. Key decisions included the appointment of Councillor Tim Huggan as Chair and Councillor Brian Steele as Vice-Chair, and a recommendation to the MCA Board to fully implement the Scrutiny Protocol.

English Devolution and Fire Integration

The committee received a comprehensive report on the implications of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. This Act formalises SYMCA's status as an Established Strategic Mayoral Authority, granting it expanded responsibilities in areas such as strategic planning, housing, and health improvement. The legislation also introduces new governance structures, decision-making arrangements, and enhanced powers for the Mayor, including the ability to convene local partners and appoint commissioners.

A significant part of the discussion focused on the forthcoming integration of South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service into SYMCA. It was noted that the Mayor would assume responsibility for statutory fire and rescue functions, including the Community Risk Management Plan, budget setting, and the appointment of the Chief Fire Officer. Unlike policing, fire and rescue funding would not be ring-fenced, leading to discussions about financial safeguards and the potential for budget reallocation. Robust controls were assured to manage associated risks and ensure transparency and accountability. The committee resolved to note the report and recommended that the MCA Board implement the Scrutiny Protocol in full.

South Yorkshire Strategy Update

Debbie Squire, Principal for Strategy Development, 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, uses a nested approach to align existing local plans with regional ambitions. Feedback from engagement sessions indicated strong support for the strategy as a framework for collaboration, though areas for strengthening were identified, including sharpening the narrative, clarifying roles, and improving delivery mechanisms. The committee was assured that an outcomes framework was being developed to measure the strategy's success.

Bus Franchising Update

Matt Goggins, Director of Bus Franchising, provided an update on the progress of bus franchising in South Yorkshire. The decision to move to franchising was made in March 2025, with the aim of creating an integrated public transport system known as the South Yorkshire People's Network. Key milestones achieved include the acquisition of six bus depots, procurement for new buses, and securing additional government funding for fleet electrification. The first phase of franchised services in Sheffield and Doncaster is targeted for September 2027, with full rollout by the end of the decade. Passengers can expect to see new, more accessible, and zero-emission buses from day one, with further improvements to fares, ticketing, and network planning to follow. The committee discussed how success would be measured, with a key indicator being the halting of the decline in bus patronage.

Draft Committee Work Plan 2026/27

The committee reviewed the draft work programme for 2026/27, developed through a collaborative workshop. Members raised concerns about the committee's capacity to effectively scrutinise the increasing scale of devolved powers and investment programmes, particularly in ensuring that decisions considered the impact on different places across South Yorkshire. The work programme includes a project to review the structure and operation of scrutiny within SYMCA, providing an opportunity for members to shape the authority's scrutiny framework. The committee approved the draft work programme, noting that further scoping and the establishment of working groups would follow.