The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to review the Corporate Performance Report for Q1 2026/27, discuss the Bus Network Review Engagement, and consider items for their work programme. The committee noted the Corporate Performance Report, provided feedback on the Bus Network Review Engagement, and ratified the Bus Working Group Terms of Reference.

Corporate Performance Report, Q1 2026/27

The committee discussed the Corporate Performance Report for the first quarter of 2026/27, which detailed the performance of key performance indicators (KPIs) and progress on the annual business plan. Daniel Buckridge, Performance and Evaluation Manager, presented the report, highlighting that 12 of the 27 KPIs had updated results. Three KPIs were meeting or exceeding targets, five were rated amber (within 10% of target or no change), and three were rated red.

Significant discussion points included:

• KPI 2 (Number of businesses receiving medium or high intensity support): This KPI was rated red due to a significant reduction in support provided. This was attributed to a shift in delivery model, focusing on a consultancy-led approach for established businesses and a streamlined pathway for early-stage enterprises. The target for 2026/27 is being revised.
• KPI 10 (Number of job vacancies in the region): This KPI was also rated red due to an increase in vacancies. The committee debated the interpretation of rising vacancies, which could indicate economic growth or skill shortages. The report proposed removing this KPI from the interim outcomes framework due to the difficulty in setting a meaningful target, with continued reporting planned via the State of the Region report and Skills Committee updates.
• KPI 16 & 17 (New homes started and completed): Both were rated red due to new, higher targets based on indicative Local Housing Need figures. While performance was below target, it was noted that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's performance was closer to the assessed need than many other areas nationally.
• KPI 20 (Buildings with unsafe cladding remediated): The committee noted that all 34 high-rise residential buildings (HRRBs) had been assessed, with 3 remediated, 10 requiring remediation, and 21 not requiring it. Concerns were raised about monitoring the 10 buildings requiring remediation, and updates were provided on engagement with building owners and awaiting government data.
• KPI 23 (Proportion of nature-rich land): Councillor Anna Bradnam raised concerns about the reported loss of nature-rich land. The report acknowledged limitations in the data used and stated that work was ongoing to improve data accuracy, with a full habitat survey expected by 2030.
• KPI 25 (Percentage of live projects on track): This KPI was rated green, showing an improvement. However, concerns were raised about the data not distinguishing between older and newer projects, making it difficult to assess genuine improvement.
• KPI 26 (Number of contract waivers): This KPI was rated amber, with an increase in active waivers. The committee questioned the reasons for this, and it was explained that a service had failed to realise a contract renewal was imminent, leading to an auto-renewal. Measures were being put in place to prevent future occurrences.
• KPI 24 (Proportion of staff feeling valued): This KPI showed a significant drop. The reduction was partly attributed to lower response rates and scores from the Greater South East Net Zero Hub team, linked to uncertainty about their future.

Bus Network Review Engagement

Edward Colman, Head of Communications Engagement and Public Affairs, and Sophie Latham, Corporate Communications Manager, presented the Bus Network Review Engagement report. They detailed how feedback from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had shaped a more robust and inclusive engagement approach for the recent bus network review. Previous concerns about the engagement being too digitally driven and lacking sufficient time and budget were addressed.

The revised approach involved:

• Extended planning and budget: Allowing for a more comprehensive campaign.
• Clearer materials: Developing plain-English summaries and clear route maps.
• Multi-channel approach: Utilising digital platforms, printed materials, stakeholder outreach, local media, and in-person events.
• Targeted outreach: Focusing on areas and residents most affected by proposed changes.

The engagement, which ran for six weeks from 16 June, exceeded its targets, with 1,182 survey responses and significant reach across various communication channels. Councillor Anne Hay raised concerns about the low response rate compared to the number of bus pass holders, and the privacy restrictions preventing direct engagement with Tiger Pass holders. Councillor Rachel Wade questioned the clarity of maps for colour-blind individuals and the demographic reach of the engagement. Mr Colman and Ms Latham explained the limitations of data access and the efforts made to reach diverse groups, including schools and community centres, within resource constraints. They also acknowledged the need to improve accessibility of materials and member engagement. The report highlighted that the outcomes of this engagement would inform future route decisions under the phased implementation of bus franchising.

Scrutiny Lead Member Reports

Updates were received from the scrutiny lead members for the Thematic Committees. Councillor Martin Cahn, Skills Lead Member, noted that the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) would be launched on 16 October and highlighted the need for the committee to monitor its implementation. He also expressed interest in reviewing the progress of Further Education Skills Hubs and the Youth Employment Strategy. Councillor Jon Neish, Transport Lead Member, indicated that the item on e-scooters and e-bikes would be brought forward to the January agenda due to concerns about safety and injuries. He also requested information from the police and head injury organisations regarding the impact of e-scooters. Councillor Laurence Damary-Homan raised the potential for increased international links and opportunities for the Combined Authority following changes in government attitudes towards Europe, suggesting a review of twinning arrangements.

Work Programme

The committee discussed items to be added to their work programme. Councillor Neish requested that the item on e-scooters and e-bikes be brought forward to the January agenda. Councillor Damary-Homan proposed adding a review of the Combined Authority's international links and potential for devolved powers. The committee also discussed and ratified the Bus Working Group Terms of Reference, which will now include members from the Audit and Governance Committee. The Bus Working Group will monitor the appraisal and recommendation of the Peterborough Bus Depot delivery model and will later consider other aspects of the bus franchising project.

CPCA Forward Plan

The committee noted the CPCA Forward Plan, which outlines future decisions to be made by the Combined Authority Board and its committees.

Questions/Recommendations for CA Board/Thematic Committee

The committee did not make any specific recommendations for the CA Board or Thematic Committees.

Date of Next Meeting

The next informal O&S meeting is scheduled for 20 October 2026, with the next O&S Committee meeting on 10 November 2026.