The Mayoral Combined Authority Board met on Tuesday 14 July 2026, approving the budget outturn for the previous financial year and revised estimates for the current year, alongside several programme approvals and grant acceptances. The Board also noted the delegated authority report.

Budget Outturn and Revision 1

The Board approved the budget outturn for the financial year 2025/26 and the revised budget estimates for 2026/27. The financial year 2025/26 saw record levels of capital expenditure, with over £171 million invested across South Yorkshire. Income generation remained strong, exceeding base budget targets by £21 million, largely due to higher-than-forecast interest rates and cash balances. Revenue activity was within 0.1% of the budget, though with some fluctuations in transport and growth areas. Movements to reserves were approved to support agreed business planning commitments and the bus resilience reserve. For the new financial year 2026/27, the revised budget notes forecast income surpluses available to support pressures and investment, with vigilance maintained on cost pressures and income generation due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Programme Approvals

Several programme approvals were made, including the progression of the Northern Local Centre Improvement scheme to an in-principle approval with an £11.65 million grant awarded to City of Doncaster Council, subject to specific conditions. The AMRC Start-up scheme also received full approval and a £2 million grant for the University of Sheffield, again subject to conditions.

The Board endorsed the submission of a proposal to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for an Apprenticeship Brokerage Pilot . Delegated authority was granted to the Executive Director of Growth, Business and Skills to accept and award any subsequent grant.

Further delegated authority was given for the acceptance and onward award of £0.48 million in revenue grant from the DWP for the Free Courses for Jobs in engineering, clean energy and advanced manufacturing programme. Additionally, £0.17 million in Regional Investment Framework (RIF) revenue grant was accepted from the Office of Investment. Delegated authority was also granted to the Head of Paid Service to enter into legal agreements for these points.

Delegated Authority Report

The Board noted the Delegated Authority Report, which provides an overview of decisions and delegations made since the previous meeting. This included significant decisions relating to bus franchising, fleet electrification, and progress on regional delivery.

Public Questions

Two public questions were addressed. The first, from Dave Pike of the TUC North East, Yorkshire and Humber, concerned the embedding of fair work conditions into procurement and delivery contracts related to Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA). Mayor Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, acknowledged the crucial role of trade unions in the airport's reopening and committed to working with them on fair work standards. He confirmed that SYMCA's procurement processes include requirements for employment practices, equality, the Living Wage, and social value, and that while Doncaster Council and Fly Doncaster Limited control airport procurement, SYMCA would engage with them and the TUC to ensure high standards.

The second question, from Wyming Yao, sought an update on the South Yorkshire Airport City Programme, lease renegotiations, and critical path timelines. Mayor Coppard stated that SYMCA has provided over £16 million to the project and reiterated that any further funding is conditional on safeguards, including lease changes. Negotiations with Peel Group, City of Doncaster Council, and SYMCA are ongoing, with most lease variations agreed in principle, though a turnover rent clause remains under discussion. He assured that progress at DSA, including job creation, is not being halted by these negotiations and that a further update would be provided when circumstances allow. Programme planning continues towards a spring 2028 reopening.

Minutes of the meeting 16 June 2026

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2026 were approved as a true and accurate record.