The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a range of issues including anti-social behaviour at Barnsley Interchange, the integrated settlement outcomes framework, and the development of an engagement strategy. The committee also heard from Mayor Oliver Coppard regarding his manifesto pledges and the authority's future plans.

Anti-Social Behaviour at Barnsley Interchange

Councillor Joshua Bacon raised concerns about ongoing anti-social behaviour at the Barnsley Interchange bus station, which is leased by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). He highlighted disruptions caused by groups of young people, particularly during school holidays and weekends, which have affected passengers and staff. Rebecca Brookes, on behalf of the committee, confirmed that a multi-agency meeting involving SYMCA, South Yorkshire Police, and Barnsley Council had taken place. A coordinated action plan is in place, including increased police presence, additional security and staffing, and enhanced CCTV coverage. Councillor Yvonne Sykes suggested exploring options such as the my card for free youth travel and noted the proximity of a youth centre. Councillor Joe Otten suggested that this matter might be better addressed through direct meetings with SYMCA officers rather than the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and that the youth centre issue was more of a Barnsley Council concern. Councillor Joshua Bacon expressed interest in how SYMCA could work with local authorities to tackle anti-social behaviour more broadly and suggested collaboration with the Police and Crime Commissioner scrutiny body. The committee agreed to allow the chair and vice-chair to discuss a way forward for the work programme and bring it back to a future meeting.

Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework

Andy Leverton, Assistant Director for Data Planning and Performance, provided an update on the integrated settlement outcomes framework, which was agreed with the government in March. He explained that SYMCA is expected to report to the government every six months over the next three years, with the first report due at the end of September. A programme board with government officials is anticipated in December or January. Councillor Michael Naughton welcomed the increased flexibility in the framework but cautioned against losing focus on important indicators. He stressed the need for a robust performance management framework. Councillor Joe Otten questioned the rationale for the economic development pillar having no cap on money being moved out of it, given the authority's focus on economic regeneration. Mr. Leverton explained that this flexibility allows for reallocation of funds to areas like skills and employment if deemed more critical for driving economic growth. Councillor Otten also expressed concern that the revised outcomes framework, with its 26 headline metrics, might become too vague, drawing a parallel with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. He urged a stronger focus on economic growth. Councillor Diamond raised concerns about the flexibility for local authorities to deliver against priorities while strategies are still being developed. Mr. Leverton assured members that SYMCA engaged extensively with local authorities in creating the framework and would continue to do so. A discussion also took place regarding the ambition of certain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), such as the target for bus patronage, with concerns raised about potential national government dynamics holding South Yorkshire back. The committee noted the report and identified areas for further scrutiny.

Engagement Strategy

Liam Ronald-Cloughan, Director of Strategy and Partnership, and Adam Leach, Principal Officer for Engagement, presented an update on the development of SYMCA's engagement strategy and toolkit. The ambition is to foster a consistent organisational culture of participation and trust, moving away from engagement being a one-off activity. The strategy aims to complement, rather than duplicate, existing engagement work by local authorities, voluntary sector organisations, and other partners. The strategy will set out principles, SYMCA's roles, and standards, with board approval targeted for December. A practical toolkit, staff capability programme, and demonstrator work are also planned. Four emerging roles for SYMCA in engagement were outlined: direct engagement, coordinating engagement, enabling engagement, and observing and learning. Councillor Joe Otten raised a concern about the absence of a role for when people come directly to the authority with issues, suggesting that SYMCA should be the primary point of contact for regional matters rather than local councils. Mr. Leach responded that the observing and learning role includes listening, and the proactive nature of the strategy aims to make SYMCA more visible. Councillor Yvonne Sykes suggested the Mayor could hold regular Q&A sessions at local town halls. Rebecca Brookes clarified that SYMCA has a constitutional arrangement for submitting questions in advance of meetings and that information on how to contact SYMCA is available on its website. Councillor Joshua Bacon questioned the effectiveness of the engagement strategy in ensuring people can object to proposals, not just shape them. Mr. Leach confirmed that the strategy aims to shift power to communities and mentioned the development of lived experience panels. Councillor Diamond highlighted the importance of adequate revenue funding for ongoing engagement and welcomed the focus on participant remuneration. Councillor Wendy Watson raised concerns about consultations coinciding with pre-election restriction periods. Mr. Ronald-Cloughan assured that SYMCA adheres to the same guidance as local authorities and is open to strengthening its guidance. The committee noted the report.

Questions to Mayor Oliver Coppard

Mayor Oliver Coppard addressed questions from committee members.

Big Clean Programme: Councillor Joshua Bacon asked about the progress of the Big Clean programme, a manifesto pledge to use money confiscated from criminals to clean up streets. Mayor Coppard stated that the plan is in train, with initial activity in Maltby, and a significant number of interventions planned for next year. He confirmed that proceeds of crime money will be used, alongside community payback, voluntary groups, and South Yorkshire Police. He acknowledged that £8,000 raised so far is insufficient for the scale of ambition and that further funding will come from the Mayoral Priority Fund.

Transport Accessibility: Councillor Yvonne Sykes inquired about SYMCA's efforts to improve transport accessibility across the board, including community transport. Mayor Coppard detailed ongoing work on procuring a new fleet of trams and buses, with accessibility concerns at the forefront. He also mentioned plans to improve bus and tram stops and highlighted the recent programme of on-demand bus services, particularly beneficial for older communities. Councillor Sykes expressed concern that community transport is on its knees. Mayor Coppard acknowledged the challenges, stating that on-demand services are part of the community transport work and that SYMCA is open to ideas on how to improve its delivery.

Road and Rail Links and Supertram Expansion: In response to a question about potential investment in road and rail links to Manchester and Supertram expansion, Mayor Coppard expressed optimism with the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, in Number 10. He stated he would push for these developments and noted enthusiasm from the Mayor of Greater Manchester. He mentioned exploring options such as a tunnel under the Pennines and bringing the Snake Pass under the key route network.

Vision Zero and Net Zero: Councillor Joshua Bacon questioned the focus on Net Zero over Vision Zero, citing an increase in fatal casualties. Mayor Coppard defended the focus on Net Zero, highlighting its potential for jobs and growth, and stated that SYMCA must do both. He clarified that the Vision Zero pledge was made in 2024 when he took on responsibility for policing and crime. He acknowledged the challenges of road safety in South Yorkshire, including rural networks and reliance on cars, and stressed the need for a collective effort. He also clarified that CRSTS has been replaced by Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) and that active travel schemes, such as the Dutch roundabout at Kellam Island, are part of the solution to road safety issues.

Scrutiny and Public Engagement: Councillor Joe Otten raised concerns about the effectiveness of SYMCA's scrutiny system and how to ensure people approach SYMCA with regional issues rather than local authorities. Mayor Coppard agreed that scrutiny of the organisation and his role needs to increase and improve. He suggested a greater role for the press and media, and alternative methods of scrutiny such as citizens' juries. He acknowledged the long-standing challenge of people approaching the wrong level of government for issues and expressed a desire for greater transparency and availability. He also discussed the ongoing process of giving mayors more control over planning decisions, emphasizing the need for adequate funding to support these responsibilities. He stated a preference for a brownfield approach to development and a collegial approach to planning issues.

The meeting concluded with the committee noting the report on the engagement strategy and Mayor Coppard's attendance.