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Combined Authority Board - Thursday, 24th September, 2026 11.00 am
September 24, 2026 at 11:00 am Combined Authority Board View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Combined Authority Board of West Yorkshire Combined Authority met on Thursday 24 September 2026, noting updates to the Local Assurance Framework and approving the capital programme, and noting performance and financial reports. Key discussions also focused on the implications of the government's Rewiring the State
proposals for devolution and public service reform, with members raising concerns about potential impacts on local accountability and the hospitality sector.
Devolution, Integrated Settlement & Public Service Reform Update
The Board noted recent government announcements on devolution, including the Rewiring the State
Cabinet Statement, and endorsed proposals for the Chief Executive and officers to work with the government on developing the forthcoming White Paper on Devolution. An update on progress implementing the Integrated Settlement was also noted. During the discussion, members raised significant concerns regarding proposed devolved planning powers and the potential introduction of an Overnight Visitor Levy. Several members expressed apprehension that the planning reforms could diminish local democratic accountability and shift decision-making away from communities. Conversely, others suggested a levy could fund local services used by visitors, provided it was subject to consultation. Mayor Tracy Brabin acknowledged these concerns, confirming that proposals were still under development and that further engagement with local authorities would occur.
West Yorkshire Local Assurance Framework (LAF) Annual Review 2026
The Board noted the work undertaken to review and refresh the West Yorkshire Local Assurance Framework 2026, in consultation with the government, and approved the latest West Yorkshire Local Assurance Framework 2026. This framework is a crucial document for assuring government that appropriate governance, financial management, and assurance processes are in place for the management of public funding. The revisions incorporate requirements from the Integrated Settlement and address feedback on accessibility and transparency. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with Mayor Brabin, to approve the final version of the framework prior to its publication.
Quarter One Performance Reporting
The Board noted the Quarter One performance against key performance indicators for 2026/27. The report indicated that overall performance remained broadly positive, with strong progress in areas such as serious violence reduction, housing investment, and skills delivery. However, some programmes, including aspects of employment and skills provision, bus franchising, and the Home Energy West Yorkshire Customer Advice Service, were identified as being below target. Mitigating actions are being implemented to address these challenges. Councillor Sarah Wood raised concerns about the clarity of performance reporting, requesting that underlying targets and actual figures be more readily accessible for scrutiny.
Financial Performance - 2026/27 Quarter 1
The Board noted the financial position as at 30 June 2026, with a projected revenue surplus of £6.5 million for 2026/27. The capital programme for 2026/27 was rebased to £576.8 million, reflecting updated funding allocations and delivery schedules. Emerging risks associated with bus franchising and capital programme delays were also noted. The Board approved guiding principles for the development of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, to support long-term financial sustainability, value for money and delivery of the Combined Authority's strategic priorities. Councillor Alan Lamb abstained from voting on the approval of the rebased capital programme, pending further information on its implications.
Staffing Update Report
The Board noted arrangements for the recruitment of an interim Chief Executive and the designation of a Head of Paid Service. It also noted the Employment Panel's decision to appoint Claire Rawlinson as the new Transport Commercial Director, recognising her experience in the bus industry. The extension of current Mass Transit Senior Responsible Officer and Programme Director arrangements was also confirmed.
Governance Arrangements
The Board noted the appointments made to Committees and Boards under officer delegation, as outlined in the submitted report, reflecting changes in nominations from partner councils. Additionally, Councillor Helen Hayden was approved for appointment to the Investment Board, filling a Labour vacancy.
Minutes for Information of Committee Meetings
The Board noted the minutes and agendas of committee meetings that had been published on the Combined Authority's website since the last Board meeting.
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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Quarter 1 Performance Reporting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Combined Authority Board noted the Quarter One performance against key performance indicators for 2026/27 on 24 September 2026. The Board reviewed progress against 25 corporate plan priorities, with 20 showing strong performance and five identified as below target.
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West Yorkshire Local Assurance Framework (LAF) Annual Review 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Combined Authority Board decided on 24/09/2026 to approve the West Yorkshire Local Assurance Framework 2026. The Board noted the work undertaken to review and refresh the framework in consultation with government. Authority was delegated to the Combined Authority’s Chief Executive, in consultation with the Mayor, to approve the final framework.
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Minutes of the Meeting of the Combined Authority held on 30 July 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board approved the minutes of its meeting held on 30 July 2026. This decision was made on 24 September 2026.
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Devolution, Integrated Settlement & Public Service Reform Update
Recommendations ApprovedThe Chief Legal Officer decided to approve recommendations on 24/09/2026. The Combined Authority Board noted government announcements on devolution and endorsed proposals for officers to co-produce the forthcoming White Paper on Devolution. The Board also noted an update on progress implementing the Integrated Settlement.
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Minutes for Information of Committee Meetings
Recommendations ApprovedThe Combined Authority Board of West Yorkshire Combined Authority decided to note the minutes and agendas of committee meetings published on its website since the last meeting on 24 September 2026. The Board noted the minutes and agendas of the Weaver Network Board and the Investment Board.
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Devolution, Integrated Settlement & Public Service Reform Update
Recommendations ApprovedThe Combined Authority Board noted government announcements on devolution and endorsed proposals for the Chief Executive and officers to co-produce the forthcoming White Paper on Devolution. The Board also noted progress on implementing the Integrated Settlement.
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Staffing Update Report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Combined Authority Board noted arrangements for the recruitment of an interim Chief Executive and designation of a Head of Paid Service. The Board also noted the Employment Panel's decision regarding the appointment of the Transport Commercial Director and the extension of current Mass Transit Senior Responsible Officer and Programme Director arrangements.
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Governance Arrangements
Recommendations ApprovedThe Combined Authority Board noted appointments made to Committees and Boards under officer delegation and approved the appointment of Cllr Helen Hayden to the Investment Board on 24 September 2026. Appointments made under officer delegation included Cllr Paul Wray to the Weaver Network Board, Cllr Simon Seary to the Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Tom Hinchcliffe to the Weaver Network Board, Cllr Celia Hickson to the Governance & Audit Committee, and Cllr Ian Reed to the Scrutiny Committee.
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Financial Performance - 2026/27 Quarter 1
Recommendations ApprovedThe Combined Authority Board of West Yorkshire Combined Authority on 24 September 2026 noted the financial position as at 30 June 2026 and approved the rebased capital programme for 2026/27 totalling £576.8m. The Board also approved guiding principles for the development of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy.
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