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Audit and Governance Committee - Thursday, 10th September, 2026 10.00 am
September 10, 2026 at 10:00 am Audit and Governance Committee View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority met on Thursday, 10 September 2026. The committee endorsed the Corporate Risk Register and agreed to conduct deep dives into risks concerning the Peterborough Station Quarter and the Bus Reform Programme. They also recommended amendments to the Combined Authority's Constitution for approval by the Board.
Corporate Risk Register and Deep Dives
The committee endorsed the Corporate Risk Register, Dashboard, and Heatmap for August 2026. They also agreed to undertake deep dives into two significant risks: the potential for the Peterborough Station Quarter (PSQ) project to exceed its time and cost allocations, and the risk that the Bus Reform Programme may not be delivered in line with the franchising scheme. These deep dives were conducted in an exempt session due to containing sensitive information. Appendix F was noted, detailing how risks are reviewed and monitored within the Authority.
CPCA Update
An update was provided on recent Combined Authority activities, including progress on the implementation of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, preparations for Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status, and developments following the King's Speech. The update highlighted engagement with national government, efforts to support economic growth, housing, and infrastructure, and a positive outcome from a Gateway Review that will allow the Combined Authority's £20 million per annum Investment Fund to continue for a further five years.
Rewiring the State and Opportunities for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
The committee received an overview of emerging national policy related to Devolution and 'Rewiring the State'. This included information on the opportunities for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and the work underway to prepare the Combined Authority for new powers and responsibilities. Key aspects discussed included the potential for greater local control over skills and employment support, transport, housing, and innovation, as well as proposals for fiscal devolution, such as a share of local income tax and business rates retention. The designation of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough as an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority was confirmed, granting access to the 'right to request' further devolution and eligibility for an Integrated Settlement at the next spending review.
Updates to the Constitution
The committee considered proposed amendments to the Authority's Constitution, with a view to making recommendations to the Combined Authority Board. These amendments were largely driven by the enactment of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 and included provisions for the appointment and governance of Mayoral Commissioners, updates to the Mayor's powers regarding grants, and adjustments to Board functions and decision-making processes. The committee recommended that the Combined Authority Board approve the proposed amendments to Chapters 12, 16, and 17 of the Constitution and the removal of Annexes 4, 7, and 8.
External Audit - Rebuilding Audit Assurance: The Path to an Unqualified Opinion
The committee noted the External Auditor's report, which outlined the progress towards achieving an unqualified audit opinion. The report indicated that work was progressing as planned for the 2025/26 audit, with the aim of issuing a qualified audit opinion. This was seen as a positive step in the rebuilding process. The timeline for achieving an unqualified opinion was noted as 2027/28, with the External Auditors confirming that this was in line with previous expectations.
Internal Audit - Progress Report
The committee noted the progress report from the Internal Auditors. For the 2025/26 Internal Audit Plan, one further report on contract management had been finalised, with three draft reports awaiting management responses. For the 2026/27 programme, one report on grant funding agreements had been finalised, with three further reports issued in draft. An update was provided regarding a change in the Internal Audit provider, with the new provider expected to take over from 13 September 2026.
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Review
The committee considered and commented on the refreshed Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Procedures. The refreshed framework aligns with the latest versions of the Magenta and Green Books, includes updated guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence in monitoring and evaluation, and removes references to specific Gateway Review terms, opting for 'interim' or 'mid-term' evaluations. The procedures were also updated to reflect these changes. The committee noted that monitoring and evaluation are becoming more embedded in the Authority's processes, leading to more effective and consistent application.
Standing Items - Updates and Comments
There were no updates to provide to the committee on Fraud Prevention or Health and Safety. The committee noted that Local Government Reorganisation currently has no direct implications for the Combined Authority, but workstreams continue to assess potential implications as further details emerge.
Work Programme
The committee reviewed and noted the draft Work Programme for the remainder of the 2026/27 municipal year. It was agreed that the Spatial Development Strategy would be added to the programme, with the timing of its consideration to be determined. The committee also agreed to add an item concerning HR discipline and severance to the work programme for the new internal auditors.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Date of Next Meeting
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council noted the date of its next meeting. The next meeting was scheduled for 10am on Thursday 12 November in the CPCA Meeting Room, Pathfinder House, Huntingdon PE29 3TN.
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Re-admittance of Press and Public
Recommendations ApprovedThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council decided to re-admit the press and public on 10 September 2026. Recommendations were approved.
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Apologies for Absence
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council received apologies for absence on 10 September 2026. Councillor L Damary-Homan was substituted by Councillor R Stobart, and Councillor I Ali was substituted by Councillor Q Farid.
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Work Programme
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee reviewed and noted the Work Programme for the remainder of the 2026/27 municipal year on 10 September 2026. The committee will hold sessions on treasury management and counter fraud, and a private briefing with auditors.
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Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Review
Recommendations ApprovedThe Audit and Governance Committee considered and commented on the refreshed Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Procedures on 10 September 2026. Recommendations were approved.
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CPCA Update
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council noted an update on recent CPCA activities on 10 September 2026. The Assistant Director Finance and IT provided this update.
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Internal Audit - Progress Report
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority noted the Internal Audit Progress Report on 10 September 2026. The report provided an update on progress against the 2025/26 and 2026/27 Internal Audit Plans. The committee noted that one report in relation to Contract Management and one report in relation to Grant Funding Agreements had been finalised.
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Declaration of Interests
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council decided to record Councillor G Christy's declaration of a non-pecuniary interest. This was noted on 10 September 2026.
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Exclusion of Press and Public
Recommendations ApprovedThe Audit and Governance Committee decided to exclude the press and public from the meeting. This decision was made on 10 September 2026.
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Standing Items - Updates and Comments
Information OnlyThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Council recorded information only on 10/09/2026. There were no updates to provide on Fraud Prevention or Health and Safety.
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Minutes of the previous meeting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 25th June 2026. The Committee also noted the Action Log and progress made against identified actions.
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The Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority noted the External Auditor’s Report on 10 September 2026. The report detailed a risk assessment of the Authority's reserves, identifying certain reserves as higher risk due to factors like the size of balances, extent of movements during disclaimed periods, and reliance on complex accounting arrangements. The audit procedures for 2025/26 will address these historic gaps in assurance.
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The Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority noted information on 10 September 2026. This included an update on 'Rewiring the State' and opportunities for the Combined Authority. The committee was informed about work underway to prepare for additional powers and responsibilities.
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Updates to the Constitution
Recommendations ApprovedThe Audit and Governance Committee approved recommendations to amend the Constitution on 10 September 2026. The Combined Authority Board was recommended to approve amendments to Chapters 12, 16, and 17 of the Constitution and the removal of Annexes 4, 7, and 8.
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