This week in South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority:

Risk Management Under the Microscope: Cyber Threats and Capacity Constraints Remain Top Concerns

The Audit, Standards and Risk Committee met on Thursday, 08 October 2026, to review the authority's risk landscape. The overarching message was clear: while the strategic risk profile remains broadly stable, a significant majority of strategic risks continue to sit above the authority's appetite for risk. This means the SYMCA is operating with a higher level of exposure than it ideally would like, a situation that requires constant vigilance and proactive management.

Cyber Security and Capacity: Persistent Threats to Service Delivery

The highest scoring strategic risks remain unchanged and continue to demand significant attention. These are:

• Cyber Security Threat and Attack: The ever-present danger of cyber threats poses a significant risk to the authority's operations and sensitive data.
• Insufficient Capacity to Deliver: A recurring theme, this risk highlights the ongoing challenge of having enough staff and resources to meet the demands of the organisation's growing responsibilities.
• Health and Safety Major Accident or Injury: While efforts are being made to mitigate risks, the potential for serious accidents remains a concern.
• Reduction in Supertram Reliability and Negative Reputation: Ensuring the smooth operation of the Supertram network is vital for public trust and the efficient movement of people across South Yorkshire.

New risks have also been added to the corporate risk profile, reflecting the evolving challenges faced by the authority. These include:

• Statutory Compliance with Freedom of Information Requests: Ensuring timely and accurate responses to information requests is a legal obligation.
• Police Reform: The ongoing process of police reform brings its own set of risks and uncertainties.
• Local Economic Shocks: The vulnerability of the region to external economic downturns is a significant concern.
• Corporate Transformation Delivery: The success of major transformation programmes is critical for the authority's future effectiveness.
• Historic Mine Workings Affecting Supertram Infrastructure: This new risk highlights potential infrastructure vulnerabilities that could impact the tram network.

The analysis of risk drivers shows increasing pressure, with resource constraints identified as the single largest driver of risk, followed closely by financial pressures and uncertainty and change. This underscores the need for strategic planning and investment to bolster capacity and manage the impact of external factors.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

Transport Patronage Declines: Bus Ridership Hits Record Lows

An update on transport patronage trends painted a concerning picture, revealing a significant decline in bus ridership across South Yorkshire. Compared to 2016 figures, patronage has fallen by a stark 40%, placing South Yorkshire among the combined authorities with the steepest drops.

While overall ridership is down, there has been a positive increase in travel among children and young people. This is largely attributed to free travel initiatives implemented in Barnsley, demonstrating the impact of targeted policies on encouraging younger generations to use public transport.

Tram patronage has also seen a decline, although a recent positive trend was noted before capacity issues arose. The report identified economic factors, such as lower asset wealth and a higher proportion of the population with lower-level qualifications compared to the national average, as contributing to reduced spending on public transport.

This trend has real-world implications for residents, particularly those who rely on public transport for work, education, and accessing essential services. A decline in services could lead to longer journey times, reduced accessibility, and increased isolation for vulnerable groups.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

Financial Regulations Reviewed: Clarity and Consistency Enhanced

The committee reviewed the revised Financial Regulations, a crucial document that sets out the rules for the authority's financial affairs. The updates were primarily presentational, focusing on improving clarity and ensuring consistency with the wider SYMCA Constitution.

While no substantive changes were made to the underlying financial controls, the revised regulations aim to set clear expectations for officers' compliance. This focus on clear guidelines is essential for maintaining financial integrity and ensuring public funds are managed responsibly.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

Bus Franchising Programme Advances: Procurement Underway

Significant progress was reported on the South Yorkshire Bus Franchising Programme. The Invitation to Negotiate stage for franchise procurement has concluded, with bid evaluation now underway. This is a critical step towards bringing bus services under public control, with the aim of improving service quality and reliability for passengers.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

Other Matters

Health and Safety Performance: A Positive Quarter

The committee received a positive update on the authority's health and safety performance for the first quarter, with no reported accidents, incidents, or near misses involving SYMCA employees or contractors. While overall transport estate incidents have reduced, anti-social behaviour remains a challenge. On the tram network, total reported incidents decreased, but an increase in near-miss reports and other specific incident types were noted as areas requiring continued scrutiny. The report highlighted a data-led approach to risk management, concentrating efforts on specific locations and incident types.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

Treasury Management: Higher Income Forecasted

The Q1 Treasury Management update indicated a significantly higher forecast for treasury management income for the MCA than budgeted. This is attributed to higher-than-anticipated cash balances and stable interest rates. The Police Fund's investment income is forecast to be lower than budgeted due to monthly grant payments. The MCA held substantial investments, with the Police Fund also holding significant balances. The MCA's borrowing need for the year is forecast to be zero, while the Police Fund's borrowing need has been reduced. The Bank of England Base Rate is expected to increase, with future movements dependent on geopolitical factors.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

Skills Bootcamps: Lessons Learned from Contract Termination

A lessons learned review following the termination of a Skills Bootcamp contract identified opportunities to strengthen preventative controls, improve contract oversight, and enhance escalation processes. While the control framework was effective in identifying issues, the review highlighted the need for more robust oversight to prevent future issues.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

KPMG Audit Progress: On Track for Unmodified Opinion

KPMG reported that the external audit of the MCA Chief Constable and CFDIL is progressing well and is ahead of schedule. No significant audit risks requiring escalation to members were found, and an unmodified audit opinion for the MCA group for 25/26 is anticipated.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

Internal Audit Plan: Progress and Future Audits

The committee received an update on the internal audit plan progress. Several reports have been finalised, covering areas such as police reform commissioning, custody visitor arrangements, ethical conduct, and follow-up actions on previous audits. The Adult Skills Performance Management audit has been deferred to allow for the embedding of a new contract management framework.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

Joint Independent Audit Committee (JIAC): Ongoing Concerns

The Joint Independent Audit Committee (JIAC) reported on ongoing issues with internal audit findings, particularly concerning action management. Strategic concerns include governance and internal controls, cyber security, statutory compliance, organisational capacity, and financial sustainability. While the financial position is broadly balanced, uncertainty remains regarding legacy cost funding and the financial effect of police officer numbers exceeding the funded establishment. Information safety performance improved, but rising subject access request volumes remain a strategic red risk.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

Corporate Services Transformation Programme: Building for the Future

An update on the Corporate Services Transformation Programme (CSTP) highlighted its aim to make the organisation fit for purpose to handle new responsibilities and funding. The programme addresses issues of pace of change, organisational maturity, capacity, and capability, and is seen as crucial for the authority to thrive with devolved powers and funding.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

Governance Improvement Plan: Progress and Areas for Focus

The first progress update on the Governance Improvement Plan (GIP) 2026/27 showed good progress across most themes. However, three themes require particular attention: Embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Governance (rated Red), Ethical Culture & Leadership (rated Amber), and Contract & Commercial Governance (rated Amber). Mitigating actions are being taken for areas assessed as Amber or Red.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

This week in South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority:

Tackling Knife Crime: A United Front Against Violence

The Community Confidence Board met this week, bringing together South Yorkshire Police and the Violence Prevention Partnership (VPP) to discuss their comprehensive strategies for tackling serious violence and knife crime. The urgency of this issue was underscored by the fact that South Yorkshire has the fourth highest rate of knife crime nationally. The discussions highlighted both the progress made in reducing violence and the ongoing challenges that require a sustained, collaborative effort.

South Yorkshire Police's Multi-Pronged Attack on Serious Violence

Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett detailed South Yorkshire Police's robust approach to Most Serious Violence (MSV), which encompasses a wide range of offences. She emphasised that while overall MSV has seen significant reductions in recent years, a projected increase for the current year necessitates continued vigilance. The force is employing targeted strategies, including Problem Orientated Policing (POP) and hotspot patrols, in areas with a high prevalence of MSV, particularly in urban centres like Doncaster and Sheffield.

Case studies from Doncaster City Centre and Sheffield City Centre demonstrated the effectiveness of these tailored interventions. In Sheffield, a POP plan focusing on improved guardianship, venue management, environmental redesign, and support for vulnerable individuals led to an 11% reduction in MSV and public order offences, and a significant 38% decrease in knife crime between 2024 and 2025.

However, challenges persist. Victim disengagement, often linked to gang-related cultures, accounts for around 40% of unresolved outcomes. The impact of Sentencing Act reforms, leading to earlier offender releases, also presents a hurdle that requires close partnership work with probation services.

• Community Confidence Board Meeting Details

Violence Prevention Partnership: Preventing Violence Before It Starts

Kelly Wilson, Head of the Violence Prevention Partnership (VPP), outlined the VPP's crucial role in preventing violence before it occurs, with a particular focus on supporting at-risk children and young people. The VPP has already provided nearly £600,000 in community grants to 34 organisations working to reduce knife crime, with funding prioritised in areas of greatest need.

A key initiative is the Pol-ED educational package, funded until at least 2029, which has already reached over 6,500 children in South Yorkshire. This resource helps schools and community organisations deliver structured learning on topics like relationships, safety, and wellbeing, tailored to local crime data.

Current interventions include a Safer Knife Replacement Scheme in Doncaster and Sheffield youth offending teams, a Focused Deterrence programme offering structured mentoring, and A&E navigators working to support individuals involved in violent incidents. The VPP is also developing a three-year county-wide Knife Crime Response strategy, emphasising community voices through a Community Leaders Programme and a Knife Crime Lived Experience Group.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the impact of social media and bloggers filming incidents, which some attendees felt attracted further violence, particularly in Doncaster. Matthew Clay, Director of Policing and Reform at SYMCA, acknowledged this as a serious issue and stated that efforts would be made to explore how to counter such content online.

• Community Confidence Board Meeting Details

Other Matters

Audit Committee Gears Up for Busy Agenda

The Audit, Standards and Risk Committee is set to meet on Thursday, 08 October 2026. The agenda includes a comprehensive update on health and safety performance, with a focus on ongoing challenges at Barnsley Interchange. The committee will also review the corporate risk profile, which indicates that several strategic risks, including cyber security and insufficient capacity to deliver, are above the authority's risk appetite. Transport patronage trends will be discussed, highlighting a significant decline in bus passenger journeys across South Yorkshire. The committee will also review updated Financial Regulations, treasury management performance, and the anti-fraud and corruption policy. Lessons learned from Skills Bootcamps and progress on the Corporate Services Transformation Programme will also be presented.

• Audit, Standards and Risk Committee Meeting Details

This week in South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority:

£200 Million Boost for Housing and Regeneration: A New Era for South Yorkshire's Urban Centres

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Board has approved a massive £200 million investment package aimed at transforming housing and urban regeneration across the region. This significant funding, drawn from the National Housing Delivery Fund and the City Densification Fund, signals a major commitment to building more homes and revitalising key urban areas.

Unlocking Thousands of New Homes with the National Housing Delivery Fund

A substantial £118 million has been allocated from the National Housing Delivery Fund (NHDF) to accelerate housing growth. This funding will be delivered through a flexible mini-programme approach, grouping projects into 15 distinct programmes. This strategy allows for greater adaptability in managing delivery and funding, ensuring that projects can progress even if some face delays. The ultimate goal is to unlock the construction of up to 7,000 new homes, with a strong emphasis on affordable and sustainable housing options. This investment is crucial for addressing the housing shortage, particularly for young families and key workers who struggle to find affordable places to live.

Revitalising City Centres with the City Densification Fund

An additional £85 million has been secured from the government's City Densification Fund. This funding is specifically targeted at urban areas to support housing, regeneration, and employment growth, particularly in locations linked to the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme. Three priority schemes have been identified for progression:

• Sheffield Moorfoot: A major city centre regeneration project focused on high-density housing and creating attractive public spaces.
• Sheffield Station Campus: Critical for improving the area around Sheffield Midland station and supporting commercial development.
• Rotherham Gateway: A long-term, station-led regeneration initiative focused on land assembly, connectivity, housing, and employment growth within the Don Valley Corridor.

These schemes aim to overcome viability barriers that have previously prevented development in these key urban locations. For residents, this could mean more vibrant town centres, increased local employment opportunities, and a greater supply of much-needed housing.

• Mayoral Combined Authority Board Meeting Details

South Yorkshire Strategy Endorsed: A Vision for a Healthier, Connected Region

The Board has officially endorsed the new South Yorkshire Strategy, a comprehensive long-term vision for the region. This strategy is built on three core ambitions: ensuring everyone can stay near and go far, making South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country, and ensuring every community is connected and proud of its place.

The strategy was developed through extensive collaboration with local authorities, the NHS, education providers, businesses, trade unions, and the voluntary sector. Its implementation will focus on strengthening partnerships and governance to provide strategic oversight, drive action on priority challenges, and ensure ongoing engagement and accountability across the region. This unified approach is vital for ensuring that all residents, regardless of their background or location, benefit from the region's growth and development.

• Mayoral Combined Authority Board Meeting Details

Programme Performance: £25 Million Invested in Quarter 1

The Mayoral Combined Authority Board reviewed the performance of its externally funded capital and revenue programmes, noting that capital expenditure in the first quarter of 2026/27 exceeded £25 million. This represents a significant increase compared to the same period last year and demonstrates strong delivery momentum.

Several key projects received full approval and grant awards, including:

• Darton Bus Corridor Real Time Information Improvements: £1.2m for upgrades to bus stop facilities and real-time information displays in Barnsley.
• Penistone to Wortley Trans Pennine Trail Improvement Scheme: £1.53m for enhancements to the trail, improving accessibility.
• Barnsley Active Travel Route – Broadway Schools Travel Links: £1.1m for upgrades to walking, wheeling, and cycling routes near local schools.
• A61 Chesterfield Road – Phase 2: £7.61m for bus service enhancements and pedestrian improvements in Sheffield.

The Board also approved the acceptance of grants totalling over £5.3 million for various programmes, including the Heat Network Zones, the South Yorkshire Music Hub, and the Rough Sleeping programme. This continued investment in infrastructure and community services is essential for improving the quality of life for all residents.

• Mayoral Combined Authority Board Meeting Details

Public Questions: From Tunnels to Swimming Pools

During the public question session, residents raised a range of important issues:

• Tunnel Proposals: A question was posed about the feasibility of a new tunnel proposal using the Norwegian BLAST method, exploring private funding through tolling. Mayor Oliver Coppard expressed interest in exploring cost-effective and environmentally conscious tunnelling solutions.
• King Edward Swimming Pool: Concerns were raised about securing funds to reopen the King Edward swimming pool in Sheffield. Mayor Coppard and Councillor Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, acknowledged the closure's impact and highlighted ongoing investments in other leisure facilities.
• New Street, Blackston Accessibility: Residents voiced concerns about poor infrastructure and dropped curbs in New Street, Blackston, impacting wheelchair accessibility. Doncaster Council officers detailed planned assessment and improvement works.

• Free Bus Travel for Under-18s vs. Over-60s: A question was asked about the rationale for free bus travel for under-18s in Sheffield, suggesting funds could be redirected to older residents. Mayor Coppard defended the investment in young people, highlighting the separate funding streams and the importance of accessible transport for their future opportunities.

• Mayoral Combined Authority Board Meeting Details

Mayor's Announcements: Public Transport, E-bikes, and Youth Climate Action

Mayor Oliver Coppard made several key announcements:

• South Yorkshire People's Network: Bus services will return to public control in September 2027, with local decisions on fares, routes, and timetables.
• E-bike Subscription Scheme: Launching next spring with a £1.3 million investment to make e-bikes more affordable and accessible.
• Free Bus and Tram Travel Pilot: A pilot offering free travel for Sheffield residents aged 5-18 will extend the success of the Barnsley MyCard scheme, with plans for wider South Yorkshire rollout.
• Youth Climate Action Fund: Launched on 11 September, inviting youth-led organisations to apply for funding for their projects.

The Mayor also paid tribute to Tom Bousfield and Stephen Pleasant for their significant contributions to South Yorkshire.

• Mayoral Combined Authority Board Meeting Details

This week in South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority:

Barnsley Interchange: Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour with a Multi-Agency Approach

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met this week, with a significant portion of the discussion dedicated to the persistent issue of anti-social behaviour at the Barnsley Interchange bus station. Councillor Joshua Bacon brought the issue to the committee's attention, highlighting the disruption caused by groups of young people, particularly during school holidays and weekends. This behaviour has not only affected passengers but has also led to assaults on staff working at the facility.

In response, Rebecca Brookes confirmed that a multi-agency meeting involving the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), South Yorkshire Police, and Barnsley Council has already taken place. A coordinated action plan is now in place, which includes:

• Increased high-visibility police patrols around the interchange.
• Additional security and staffing.
• Enhanced CCTV coverage.
• Intelligence sharing between partners.

Councillor Yvonne Sykes suggested exploring options like the my card for free youth travel, noting the proximity of a youth centre. However, Councillor Joe Otten suggested that while the youth centre issue might be more of a Barnsley Council concern, the broader anti-social behaviour problem could be better addressed through direct meetings with SYMCA officers. Councillor Bacon expressed interest in how SYMCA could collaborate with local authorities to tackle anti-social behaviour more broadly across South Yorkshire, suggesting a joint approach with the Police and Crime Commissioner scrutiny body. The committee agreed to allow its chair and vice-chair to discuss a way forward for the work programme on this issue.

The impact of this behaviour is significant, particularly for vulnerable groups. Passengers, including the elderly, have expressed concerns about safety and the disruption to their journeys. Ensuring the interchange is a safe and welcoming space is crucial for maintaining public confidence in transport services.

• Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting Details

Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework: Balancing Flexibility with Focus

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee also received an update on the integrated settlement outcomes framework, a key agreement with the government. Andy Leverton, Assistant Director for Data Planning and Performance, explained that SYMCA is expected to report to the government every six months over the next three years, with the first report due at the end of September.

While welcoming the increased flexibility in the framework, which allows for reallocation of funds between different pillars, Councillor Michael Naughton cautioned against losing focus on crucial indicators. He stressed the need for a robust performance management framework. Councillor Joe Otten questioned the rationale for the economic development pillar having no cap on money being moved out of it, given the authority's focus on economic regeneration. Mr. Leverton clarified that this flexibility allows for reallocation to areas like skills and employment if deemed more critical for driving economic growth.

Concerns were also raised that the revised outcomes framework, with its 26 headline metrics, might become too vague. Councillor Alexi Dimond highlighted the importance of adequate revenue funding for ongoing engagement and welcomed the focus on participant remuneration. The committee noted the report and identified areas for further scrutiny.

This framework is vital for securing government funding and ensuring that South Yorkshire's priorities are met. The balance between flexibility and maintaining a clear focus on key outcomes is essential to ensure that public money is used effectively to benefit residents.

• Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting Details

Developing a New Engagement Strategy: Listening to Communities

Liam Ronald-Cloughan, Director of Strategy and Partnership, and Adam Leach, Principal Officer for Engagement, presented an update on the development of SYMCA's engagement strategy and toolkit. The ambition is to foster a consistent organisational culture of participation and trust, moving away from engagement being a one-off activity. The strategy aims to complement, rather than duplicate, existing engagement work by local authorities and other partners.

Four emerging roles for SYMCA in engagement were outlined: direct engagement, coordinating engagement, enabling engagement, and observing and learning. Councillor Joe Otten raised a concern about the absence of a specific role for when people directly approach the authority with issues, suggesting SYMCA should be a primary point of contact for regional matters. Mr. Leach responded that the observing and learning role includes listening, and the proactive nature of the strategy aims to make SYMCA more visible.

Councillor Yvonne Sykes suggested the Mayor could hold regular Q&A sessions at local town halls. Councillor Joshua Bacon questioned the strategy's effectiveness in ensuring people can object to proposals, not just shape them. Mr. Leach confirmed the strategy aims to shift power to communities and mentioned the development of lived experience panels.

A robust engagement strategy is crucial for ensuring that the voices of all residents, especially those from vulnerable groups, are heard and considered in decision-making processes. This strategy aims to build trust and ensure that SYMCA's work is grounded in the lived experiences of the communities it serves.

• Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting Details

Mayor Oliver Coppard Addresses Key Issues

Mayor Oliver Coppard attended the meeting to answer questions from committee members on a range of topics.

• Big Clean Programme: The Mayor confirmed the Big Clean programme is in train, with initial activity in Maltby. He stated that proceeds of crime money will be used, alongside community payback, voluntary groups, and South Yorkshire Police. He acknowledged that the £8,000 raised so far is insufficient for the scale of ambition and that further funding will come from the Mayoral Priority Fund.
• Transport Accessibility: Mayor Coppard detailed ongoing work on procuring a new fleet of trams and buses, with accessibility concerns at the forefront. He also mentioned plans to improve bus and tram stops and highlighted the recent programme of on-demand bus services, particularly beneficial for older communities. He acknowledged challenges with community transport, stating that on-demand services are part of this work and SYMCA is open to ideas for improvement.
• Road and Rail Links and Supertram Expansion: The Mayor expressed optimism about pushing for improved road and rail links to Manchester and Supertram expansion, citing enthusiasm from the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
• Vision Zero and Net Zero: Mayor Coppard defended the focus on Net Zero, highlighting its potential for jobs and growth, and stated that SYMCA must address both Net Zero and Vision Zero. He acknowledged the challenges of road safety in South Yorkshire and stressed the need for a collective effort.
• Scrutiny and Public Engagement: The Mayor agreed that scrutiny of the organisation and his role needs to increase and improve. He suggested a greater role for the press and media, and alternative methods of scrutiny such as citizens' juries. He also discussed the ongoing process of giving mayors more control over planning decisions, emphasizing the need for adequate funding and a preference for a brownfield approach to development.

The meeting concluded with the committee noting the report on the engagement strategy and Mayor Coppard's attendance.

• Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting Details