The Joint meeting of the West of England Combined Authority Committee and the West of England Joint Committee, held on Friday, 5 June 2026, focused on establishing the governance and operational framework for the upcoming municipal year. Key decisions included the adoption of revised terms of reference for statutory committees, the approval of the Pay Policy Statement, and the agreement of meeting schedules. The meeting also saw the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair for the Joint Committee and the confirmation of committee memberships and advisory board arrangements.

Annual Business Report

The committee considered the Annual Business Report, which outlined several governance decisions for the 2026/27 municipal year. Members noted the committee membership and deputy/substitute arrangements for the Combined Authority Committees. They agreed to the Terms of Reference for the Authority's main Committee and adopted revised Terms of Reference for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Audit Committee. The ongoing review of the Constitution was noted, with further amendments to be considered following the commencement of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act. Councillor Tony Dyer was appointed as Deputy Mayor for 2026/27. Membership arrangements for the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Audit Committee, and the Employment & Appointments Committee were agreed. Arrangements for the Authority's advisory boards were also confirmed, with Councillor Kevin Guy chairing the Transport Advisory Board, Councillor Tony Dyer the Housing Planning & Regeneration Advisory Board, Councillor Maggie Tyrrell the Economy & Skills Advisory Board (with Councillor Ian Boulton chairing in her absence), and Councillor Mike Bell the Environment Advisory Board. The Audit Committee's recommendation to appoint at least two independent members for 2026/27 was agreed. It was also agreed that the Chairs of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and the Audit Committee would have the opportunity to address the committee, and the committee reserved the right to invite other relevant attendees. Finally, the schedule of meetings for the upcoming year was agreed, and the Pay Policy Statement was approved.

Joint Committee Annual Business Report

The Joint Committee also addressed its Annual Business Report, which focused on its constitution for the forthcoming municipal year. The committee elected Mayor Helen Godwin as Chair and Councillor Tony Dyer as Vice-Chair for Municipal Year 2026/27. The membership of the Joint Committee was noted as per the agenda, and its terms of reference, as set out in the West of England Combined Authority Constitution, were also noted. The meeting dates for the Joint Committee for 2026/27 were agreed.