The Scrutiny Committee of West Yorkshire Combined Authority met on Friday 23 October 2026 to discuss devolution and rewiring the state, review the Quarter 1 performance report, and consider the scrutiny workplan. Key discussions focused on the implications of new devolved powers, the progress of integrated settlement outcomes, and the financial performance of the Combined Authority.

Devolution and Rewiring the State

The committee engaged in an extensive discussion regarding the government's Rewiring the State agenda, which aims to decentralise power and provide greater local control over tax revenues and public services. Mayor Tracy Brabin outlined the opportunities and challenges presented by these reforms, emphasizing the Combined Authority's readiness to embrace new responsibilities.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the potential for the Combined Authority to take on new planning powers. Mayor Brabin clarified that while these powers are new for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), they are intended to align WYCA with arrangements in London and are seen as a positive step in bringing decision-making closer to the people affected. However, officers acknowledged that WYCA currently lacks a dedicated planning team and that the work to prepare for these powers is falling on existing staff involved in developing the spatial development strategy. Conversations with the government are ongoing to understand the support needed for WYCA to be ready, including expertise in development management and the establishment of a casework management system. There was a shared concern about the significant workload and tight timeframe for implementing these new powers, with questions raised about the potential for local elected members to have a formal role in the process. Mayor Brabin assured the committee that while the Mayor holds the mandate, scrutiny at the highest level is crucial, and discussions are ongoing regarding how Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) will be held accountable for the significant public funds they manage.

The committee also explored the implications of fiscal devolution, specifically the prospect of receiving a share of local income tax and greater retention of business rates. Mayor Brabin explained that fiscal devolution does not necessarily mean more money but offers greater local control over spending priorities. Discussions with HM Treasury and Number 10 North are underway to define how this will work, with assurances that it will not negatively impact existing business rate retention schemes. The potential for an Overnight Visitor Levy was also discussed, with Mayor Brabin expressing support for the idea as a way to boost the tourism offer, though acknowledging potential challenges in gaining support from local authorities.

Concerns were raised about the capacity of the Combined Authority to manage new responsibilities while delivering existing commitments. Mayor Brabin highlighted her focus on delivering manifesto pledges within the next 18 months and her confidence in the organisation's talent and strategic planning capabilities. Officers detailed the integrated business, budget, and workforce planning approach, emphasizing a four-year plan refreshed annually to adapt to emerging opportunities and challenges.

The pilot programme for tackling illegal dumping was also discussed, with Mayor Brabin expressing enthusiasm for the initiative, which aims to bring partners together with increased resources and powers to address the issue. The potential for installing CCTV and the role of community involvement were highlighted as key aspects of the pilot.

Finally, the committee discussed the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, with a commitment to embedding its delivery across all decision-making processes, including planning, regeneration, and investment. The ambition to make West Yorkshire a northern Copenhagen was articulated, emphasizing green spaces, swimmable rivers, and improved air quality. Discussions also touched upon the challenges of ensuring consistent delivery across the five local authorities and how scrutiny can ensure joint priorities are met.

Quarter 1 (2026/27) Performance

The committee reviewed the Quarter 1 performance report, which detailed the Combined Authority's progress against its strategic priorities and the Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework (ISOF). Overall, four of the five missions set out in the West Yorkshire Plan were performing well, with 20 out of 25 key priorities showing strong performance.

However, five priorities were flagged as Amber, indicating they were below target. These included:

• Employment and Skills Programme Delivery: Delays in the procurement of regional provision for the Connect to Work programme mean that full regional delivery is not expected until 2027, potentially impacting supported employment targets.
• Bus Franchising Delivery: While the overall programme remains on track, challenges with depot acquisition and workforce planning have created delivery risks. Mitigation strategies, including compulsory purchase orders and organisational design work, are in place.
• Transport Programme Delivery: Forecasts indicate potential delays to scheme starts due to factors outside the programme's control, with a risk of programme slippage and additional expenditure. Close monitoring and collaboration with district partners are underway.
• Home Energy West Yorkshire Customer Advice Service: Awareness, demand, and uptake for the advice service are lower than expected. Performance data is being used to refine delivery approaches, with confidence that performance will strengthen as the service becomes more established.
• Education and Careers Support: Progress is behind expectations due to delays in implementing the new Careers Hub delivery model, with the new model not expected to be fully operational until early 2027.

The report also highlighted significant achievements, including progress in reducing serious violence, securing new investment for housing delivery, successful retrofit delivery for home energy improvements, and strong engagement with skills and training programmes. The launch of the West Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy and positive progress on transport services, including bus network enhancements and active travel initiatives, were also noted.

The committee also reviewed the financial performance for Quarter 1, which indicated a projected year-end revenue surplus of £6.5m. This was largely due to timing differences in income and expenditure recognition, with a significant proportion of programme delivery and associated grant income expected later in the financial year. The capital programme has been rebased to £576.8m, with a forecast underspend of £33.4m, primarily due to revised delivery timescales for the Zero Emission Bus programme.

Scrutiny Workplan and Next Steps

The committee reviewed its workplan for 2026/27, noting active tasks and topics for future scrutiny. Key areas of focus include Bus Franchising, Mass Transit, Strategic Planning, the Skills System, Capital Programme Strategy, and the 2027/28 Budget and business planning. A Task & Finish group will be undertaking a scrutiny of the Bradford City Village project as a case study for place making regeneration. The committee also noted that there were no formal referrals or urgent decisions to consider at this meeting.

The Forward Plan of Key Decisions was presented, outlining upcoming decisions by the Mayor, officers, and committees, including significant items related to bus reform, employment land funding, further education capital projects, and the Home Energy West Yorkshire Strategy.

The committee was also informed of ongoing public consultations on various transport-related initiatives, including bus stop improvements and rail station car parks.

The meeting concluded with the noting of the workplan and the confirmation of future meeting dates.