The WMCA Board is scheduled to discuss the draft budget for 2027/28 and the medium-term financial plan, alongside a review of the Key Route Network and an update on bus services. The meeting will also cover the Metro's future operating model and a review of the Authority's constitution.

Draft Budget 2027/28 and Medium Term Financial Plan

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the Draft Budget for 2027/28 and the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) covering the period up to 2030/31. The report outlines the emerging financial position, highlighting key financial pressures and measures required to maintain a sustainable financial position. It details proposed increases to the Transport Levy, the allocation of grant funding, and the implications of the emerging capital investment programme. The report also addresses the proposed changes to the Regional Business Rates Retention Arrangements and notes that there will be no Mayoral Precept during 2027/28. The financial considerations for the Transport, Skills & Employment Support, Economy, Energy & Environment, Housing & Strategic Planning, and Health & Public Service Innovation pillars are also detailed. The report includes an update on new grant awards and the capital programme, as well as the proposed use of the Public Sector Innovation Reserve.

Mell Square (Holbeche Place), Solihull

The Board is scheduled to consider proposals for grant funding from the Brownfield Housing Fund (BHF2) to support the delivery of new homes at the Mell Square Shopping Centre site in Solihull. The report outlines the proposed development, which includes the creation of new homes, commercial floor space, and associated amenities. The recommendations seek to delegate authority to the Investment Board to consider and determine the grant funding application, and subject to approval, delegate authority to the Director of Investment and Commercial Activities to finalise the grant funding agreement.

Key Route Network Review

A review of the designated Key Route Network (KRN) within the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) jurisdiction is scheduled for discussion. The report details the process undertaken to update the KRN, which aims to maintain a resilient network across the region. The proposals include updating the designated KRN and endorsing a continuous five-year review programme. The report also notes the omission of the existing KRN roads from the West Midlands Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2017, in accordance with the West Midlands Combined Authority (Key Route Network) (Amendment) Order 2026.

Bus Update Report

The Board will receive an update on bus services, focusing on the acquisition of West Midlands Bus Limited (WMBL) and the proposed governance arrangements for the company as a wholly owned arm's-length subsidiary of the WMCA. The report also covers the continuation of Network Support Grant (NSG) and Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG+) payments to support commercial bus services until franchising is implemented. Recommendations include approving the acquisition of a further depot, delegating authority for loan approvals for working capital, and approving a revised Treasury Management Strategy to account for fuel hedging.

Metro Review and Future Operating Model

The meeting agenda includes a discussion on the Metro Review and Future Operating Model. The report will update the Board on the findings of the Metro As-Is Review, examining the relationships between Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), Midland Metro Limited (MML), and the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA). The Board is asked to approve the progression to Phase 2 of the Metro Review, which will focus on developing a future operating model based on leading practices. This phase will involve appointing an independent reviewer and developing a prioritised programme of recommendations and an implementation roadmap.

Constitution Review

A review of the WMCA Constitution is scheduled, with proposed amendments to Parts C, D, and E. The report outlines changes intended to make the Constitution clearer, more accessible, and better aligned with the Authority's current governance, assurance, and decision-making arrangements. The recommendations include approving the proposed amendments, authorising the Monitoring Officer to finalise drafting, and noting the proposed next phase of the constitutional review covering protocols and standards, Mayoral Development Corporations, and WMCA-owned companies.

Appointment of Chief Legal & Governance Officer and Monitoring Officer

The Board will consider the appointment of a preferred candidate to the post of Chief Legal and Governance Officer. The report seeks approval for this appointment and the designation of the preferred candidate as the Authority's Monitoring Officer, a statutory role with responsibilities for reporting on potential illegality or maladministration. The appointment follows an externally supported recruitment process and a recommendation from the Employment Committee.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The Board is scheduled to receive and confirm the minutes from previous meetings of the Local Scrutiny Committee (7 September 2026), the Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee (15 September 2026), the Investment Board (21 September 2026), the Local Scrutiny Committee (12 October 2026), and the Investment Board (19 October 2026).

Forward Plan

Finally, the Board will review the Forward Plan, which outlines forthcoming key decisions scheduled for future meetings. This includes items such as the appointment of an Independent Member for Standards Complaints, the Franchising Fleet Strategy, the Metro Line 1 Enhancements Programme Business Case, and the WMCA Financial Monitoring Report.