This week in South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority:

Police Scrutiny: Tackling Disproportionality and Building Trust

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Community Confidence Board met this week to confront difficult but vital issues surrounding policing in our region. Mayor Oliver Coppard emphasised the importance of these conversations, stating, It is vital that we create spaces like this one, where we can have open and honest conversations, focusing on issues that matter to people in South Yorkshire. The board delved into stop and search, use of force, hate crime, and the Police Race Action Plan, aiming to understand the realities on the ground and how public perception aligns with police practice.

Stop and Search: A Stark Reality

Chief Superintendent Simon Wanless presented data revealing that Black individuals are 3.1 times more likely to be stopped and searched than white individuals in South Yorkshire. While the positive outcome rate for searches is consistent across all ethnic groups, meaning officers find items in roughly one in three searches regardless of ethnicity, the disproportionality in who is stopped remains a significant concern. Efforts are underway to improve the recording of reasonable grounds for searches, with 92.4% now meeting the required standard. A new Stop, Search, Safeguard programme mandates a vulnerable child form for every stop search of a person under 18, aiming to ensure their welfare is considered.

Use of Force: Examining Disparities

The data on the use of force also highlighted disproportionalities, with Black individuals being 2.1 times more likely to have force used against them compared to white individuals when considering the general population. This disparity significantly reduces when looking only at those being arrested, suggesting the issue is linked to the arrest cohort rather than indiscriminate use of force. The force has seen a substantial increase in the recording of use of force incidents, with body-worn video used in 88% of instances. A mandatory Vulnerable Child Form is now in place when force is used on a child, with data shared with Children's Social Care.

Hate Crime: A Growing Concern

Superintendent Shaz Wood reported a slight increase in hate crime volumes over the past 26 months, with a particular rise in online offences. Race remains the largest strand of hate crime, accounting for 69% of all incidents. Muslim victims represent the largest proportion of hate religion crimes. A key challenge identified is the lower rate of positive action taken for female victims of hate crime, especially within the Muslim community, who are less likely to support prosecutions. Efforts are being made to tackle under-reporting through targeted engagement with schools and under-represented community groups.

Police Race Action Plan: Progress and Challenges

The Police Race Action Plan (PRAP), launched locally in October 2024, focuses on six key themes, including building an anti-racist workforce, increasing representation, and improving community relations. Progress has been made in delivering Inclusion Matters training to over 70% of the workforce and reaching an eight-year high in new recruits from ethnic minority backgrounds. However, challenges remain in increasing representation in senior ranks and improving Black communities' confidence to report crime.

The discussions highlighted the complex nature of policing and the ongoing efforts to build trust and ensure fair treatment for all communities in South Yorkshire.

• Community Confidence Board Meeting Details

Mayoral Combined Authority Board: Shaping South Yorkshire's Future

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Board convened this week, marking the start of the municipal year with key decisions on governance and investment. Mayor Oliver Coppard highlighted the region's growing presence on the national stage, stating, South Yorkshire has a huge amount to offer, and with more than 1,000 delegates coming through our pavilion, it mattered that we showed the best of who we are.

Governance and Constitutional Updates

The Board approved amendments to the MCA's Constitution, incorporating changes brought about by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. This includes new powers for the Mayor, such as the general power of competence and the ability to appoint commissioners. The Board also approved the annual corporate governance update, noting progress in risk management and endorsing the revised Code of Corporate Governance.

Record Investment and Programme Approvals

A significant £168 million was invested across South Yorkshire in the 2025/26 financial year, marking a record year for investment. The Board noted the Capital Investment Programme Outturn Report, showcasing a wide range of projects in development, delivery, and completion. Several schemes received full approval, including active travel projects in Sheffield and the Highways Maintenance Incentive Funding 2026/27. The Board also endorsed expressions of interest for the Third National Forest Programme and the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund programme.

Electrifying South Yorkshire's Buses

A key item flagged was the commencement of depot electrification for the bus franchising programme. This crucial step will enable the deployment of a fleet of electric buses across the region, a move that will significantly improve air quality and public transport for residents.

• Mayoral Combined Authority Board Meeting Details

Other Matters

Business Advisory Board Meeting

The Business Advisory Board is scheduled to meet next week. This board, comprised of private sector members, plays a vital role in advising on economic development and business growth strategies for South Yorkshire.

• Business Advisory Board Meeting Details