The West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board met on Thursday 29 October 2026, approving significant funding for regeneration projects, including the Temple Works development and the establishment of a new Regeneration Commercial Investment Fund. The Board also appointed Mike Palin as Interim Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, and endorsed the Home Energy West Yorkshire Strategy.

Appointment of Interim Chief Executive and Designation of Head of Paid Service

The Board approved the recommendation of the Employment Panel to appoint Mike Palin as Interim Chief Executive and designate him as Head of Paid Service, effective from 2 November 2026. This appointment will ensure continuity of senior leadership and organisational stability during the transition period. Councillor Bob Felstead acknowledged the significant responsibilities Mr. Palin will undertake, particularly in relation to the Rewiring the State initiative, and offered the support of the scrutiny committee.

Bus Reform Customer Workstream

A delegation was approved for the Combined Authority's Chief Executive, in consultation with the Mayor, to approve the Customer Service and Travel Information Strategic Outline Case (SOC). This delegation also extends to approving funding of up to £656,500 for the delivery of technology solutions for the Customer Workstream's Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This initiative aims to create a seamless and improved customer experience for passengers as bus franchising, under the Weaver Network brand, approaches its launch in Spring 2027. Councillor Sarah Wood expressed interest in submitting constituent feedback on bus routes, and Councillor Bob Felstead noted that this workstream would be reviewed by the scrutiny committee in December.

Employment Support and Devolution

The Board considered the target end state for the devolution of employment support, a key aspect of the government's Rewiring the State agenda. Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director of Inclusive Economy, Skills and Culture, highlighted that this devolution is expected to begin with funding for the long-term unemployed from early 2028. Councillor Sarah Wood welcomed the focus on intensive work search regimes, while Councillor Bob Felstead indicated that scrutiny would follow this workstream. Councillor Daniel Sutherland raised concerns about the devolution of funding versus policy, questioning the potential for devolving policy around employment support and unemployment benefits. Mr. Kumi-Ampofo clarified that the current offer is primarily funding-based, but the Combined Authority is advocating for greater policy control. Councillor Salma Arif welcomed the recent announcement of £15 million for Leeds College of Building, and Councillor Stephen Place provided a four-point wish list for the devolution arrangements. Mandy Ridyard and Councillor Sarah Wood also offered comments on tackling ex-offender employment and supporting individuals with disabilities.

Post-16 Sufficiency Capital

The Board approved the shortlist of projects identified through the Expression of Interest process for fully fundable post-16 capital projects, allowing them to progress to business case development. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Mayor, to approve these business cases. Additionally, the Board approved the inclusion of further shortlisted projects on a capital pipeline and the commencement of discussions for potential funding offers. In principle, the establishment of a revolving finance facility to support capital investment in the Further Education sector was also approved. Councillor Sarah Wood raised concerns about the integration of business and industry needs within skills provision, and Councillor Karl Johnson expressed a desire for further conversation on skills development.

Regeneration Commercial Investment Support

A new £121 million Regeneration Commercial Investment Fund (RCIF) programme was approved, bringing together funding from the Integrated Settlement to drive employment site delivery across West Yorkshire. The Board also approved development funding of up to £6 million for programme activities. A change request to the Employment Land Accelerator Fund (ELAF) was approved, increasing its funding by £4 million to £6 million and extending its delivery timescales to March 2029. The conversion of £4 million of capital funding from the Integrated Settlement to revenue funding for the ELAF was also approved. Councillor Sarah Wood voiced concerns about the integration of housing and regeneration policies, particularly regarding green belt land. Councillor Stephen Place requested further detail on pipeline development and project selection criteria, while Councillor Alan Lamb and Councillor Daniel Sutherland expressed reservations about the level of delegation proposed for capital schemes, leading to an amendment to pause and further consider the delegation of £20 million.

Temple Works (British Library North) Change Request

An increase of £5 million was approved for the Temple Works (British Library North) project, funded through the Regeneration Commercial Investment Fund, bringing the total Combined Authority funding to £39,071,417. This funding will support the development of the British Library's requirements and planning work to assess the viability of a British Library North facility. The Combined Authority will enter into a Grant Funding Agreement with The British Library, with delegation for finalisation of terms to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Mayor. It was also approved that any future funding increases would be referred back to the Board, with regular progress updates provided to members. Councillor Stephen Place raised concerns about the potential for escalating costs, while Councillor Alan Lamb sought reassurance on clear timescales and milestones for decision-making. Councillor Sarah Wood proposed an amendment to ensure future funding increases and milestones are reported back to the Board, which was seconded and approved.

Home Energy West Yorkshire Strategy

The Board approved the Home Energy West Yorkshire Strategy, which aims to ensure all residents live in warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient homes. The strategy focuses on improving energy resilience, health, and affordability, while also linking to job creation and supply chain development. Councillor Stephen Place offered support for targeted local advertising in Bradford, and Councillor Daniel Sutherland expressed a desire for greater devolution of delivery to local authorities. Councillor Salma Arif shared a positive anecdote from a resident who had benefited from the programme.

Autumn Statement 2026/27

The Board noted the submission made to Government to influence the Autumn Budget and granted the Chief Executive delegated power to make in-year budget decisions arising from the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, in consultation with the Mayor. Mayor Tracy Brabin highlighted key announcements from the budget, including the scrapping of standing charges on energy bills and increased funding for transport projects. Councillor Sarah Wood expressed discomfort with the delegated power for in-year budget decisions due to a lack of indicative caps, but Ms. Eaton clarified that this delegation was a precautionary measure and unlikely to be used. Councillor Karl Johnson described the budget as a holding budget lacking bravery, and Councillor Stephen Place inquired about the Mayor's thoughts on the removal of the cap for the policing precept.

Integrated Business, Budget & Workforce Planning Approach 2027/28

The Board approved the multi-year planning approach for the 2027/28 planning cycle, noting the implications of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act and the Rewiring the State White Paper on future planning. The approach to budget planning for 2027/28 was also approved.

Leeds Bradford Airport Update

The Board recognised Leeds Bradford Airport as a key economic asset and endorsed the continued development of the LBA Parkway project. This includes the completion of a Full Business Case, necessary ground investigation work, identification of a workable timetable, and a funding strategy for the station. Councillor Salma Arif welcomed the project's potential for job creation, and Councillor Stephen Place suggested an interim shuttle bus service from Appley Bridge train station. Councillor Alan Lamb sought reassurance on the timing of train services and the airport's operational hours. Simon Pope, Director of Transport Capital Programme, advised that it would be premature to confirm a specific opening date for the station, estimating at least two years for the Full Business Case development.

Amendment to Scrutiny Standing Orders

The Board approved proposed amendments to Scrutiny Standing Orders, incorporating a mechanism for the scrutiny committee to hold hearings for Mayoral Commissioner nominees and to recommend their dismissal to the Board. Councillor Bob Felstead confirmed that the amendments had been unanimously approved by the scrutiny committee, and Councillor Sarah Wood thanked the committee for their work.

Governance Arrangements

The Board noted appointments made to committees and boards under officer delegation, including substitute members. Councillor Imran Khan was noted as a Labour political balance substitute member for the Combined Authority Board. Labour political balance substitute members were appointed to the Investment Board and Weaver Network Board: Councillor Shakeela Lal to the Investment Board and Councillor Caroline Firth to the Weaver Network Board. Changes to the municipal calendar of meetings for 2026/27 were also approved.

Minutes for Information of Committee Meetings

The Board noted the minutes and agendas of committee meetings published on its website since the last Combined Authority Board meeting. The next meeting was scheduled for 10 December 2026.