This week in West Midlands Combined Authority:

Transport Projects Face Delays as Key Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Transport Delivery Overview & Scrutiny Committee of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) was scheduled to meet on Monday 18 May 2026, but the meeting was cancelled. This means crucial updates on vital transport projects, including bus information systems and capital delivery programmes, will be delayed.

The cancellation raises concerns about the timely oversight of projects that directly impact the daily lives of residents, particularly those who rely on public transport. Without these scrutiny sessions, it becomes harder to ensure that taxpayer money is being spent effectively and that projects are on track to deliver the promised benefits.

Bus Real Time Information System: A System in Need of Improvement

A key item on the cancelled agenda was an update on the Bus Real Time Information (RTI) system. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has been working to improve the accuracy and reliability of this system, which tells passengers when their bus will arrive. Issues like ghost buses – buses that appear on the system but never arrive – and the implementation of automated trip cancellations have been ongoing challenges.

The report was expected to highlight how bus franchising, planned from October 2027, could offer further enhancements. The RTI system's complexity, relying on data from multiple operators, makes improvements challenging. While progress has been made, the cancellation of this meeting means a delay in understanding the full picture of these improvements and their impact on passengers.

Capital Transport Performance: Projects at Risk?

The committee was also set to review the Capital Transport Performance Report. This report tracks the progress of major transport infrastructure projects across the region. The portfolio was described as having an amber status, indicating its significant scope and complexity, alongside recognised risks to delivering within the remaining timeframe.

Key programmes like the Active Travel Fund (ATF) and the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS 1) were due for an update. While some milestones, such as the completion of main works for rail stations and the Birmingham Eastside Extension phase 1, have been achieved, ongoing construction for various local authority schemes is subject to risks from economic uncertainty and programme dependencies. The cancellation of the meeting means a delay in scrutinising these risks and the mitigation activities in place, which could affect the delivery of essential transport upgrades.

Bus Network Support and Emerging Cost Pressures

Discussions were also planned regarding the West Midlands Bus Network Support Grant (NSG) and emerging cost pressures on bus operators. Agreements were reportedly close to finalisation to secure grant support until November 2026, aiming to prevent the loss of up to 49% of commercial bus services.

However, the Middle East oil crisis was creating new pressures on operators, with varying impacts depending on their fuel hedging strategies. TfWM was preparing to discuss grants for services from December 2026, with potential service changes if costs continued to rise. The cancellation of this meeting means a delay in understanding how these pressures might affect bus services, potentially impacting those who rely on them for work, education, and essential appointments.

Member Engagement Groups and Work Programme

The cancelled meeting also intended to provide progress reports from various Member Engagement Groups (MEGs), which allow councillors to delve deeper into specific transport issues. Proposed revisions to these groups for the upcoming municipal year were also on the agenda. Furthermore, the committee was scheduled to review its Work Programme, including the WMCA Board Forward Plan.

The cancellation of this meeting means a delay in the oversight of these important forums and the strategic planning for future transport initiatives.

Learn more about the Transport Delivery Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting

This week in West Midlands Combined Authority:

Chief Finance Officer Recruitment Under Scrutiny

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is looking to appoint a new Chief Finance Officer (CFO). This critical role oversees the financial health and strategic direction of the entire region's combined authority. The Employment Committee met on Thursday 30 April 2026 to discuss the recruitment process.

The recruitment of a CFO is vital for ensuring the WMCA can effectively manage its budget, secure funding for vital projects, and maintain public trust. A strong CFO is essential for making sound financial decisions that impact everything from transport infrastructure to economic development initiatives, and ultimately, the services available to residents, particularly those most vulnerable.

The meeting agenda indicated that the process for recruiting this key position was the main focus. While the specific details of the recruitment plan were not made public, the role of CFO is fundamental to the WMCA's ability to deliver on its promises and manage public funds responsibly.

Learn more about the Employment Committee meeting

Audit Committee Reviews Financial Health and Governance

The Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee convened on Monday 27 April 2026 to review the WMCA's financial oversight and governance arrangements. Key discussions included the external audit plan, internal audit progress, and the draft annual governance statement.

External Audit Plan 2025/26

Grant Thornton presented the External Audit Plan for the year ending 31 March 2026. This plan outlines how the WMCA's financial statements will be audited, ensuring they are accurate and that the authority is using its resources efficiently and effectively. The audit will scrutinise significant risks, including how management controls are handled and the valuation of pension liabilities. This is crucial for ensuring taxpayer money is managed with integrity and that the WMCA can continue to fund essential services. The proposed audit fee is £179,301.

Internal Audit and Governance

The committee received an update on internal audit activities, noting that the team was on track to deliver its plan. New work has been undertaken to improve how the WMCA addresses findings from external reviews, aiming for greater transparency and accountability.

The draft Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2025/26 was also considered. This statutory document confirms that the WMCA has effective governance in place, with plans for further improvements. A strong governance framework is essential for preventing fraud, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and building public confidence in the council's operations.

Risk Management and Assurance

The committee reviewed quarterly risk reporting, which highlighted the most significant risks facing the WMCA. The overall risk profile was reported as stable, though one risk increased due to acknowledged challenges in organisational transformation.

An Assurance Performance Report for Q4 2025/26 indicated that the WMCA's Single Assurance Framework (SAF) is being embedded to improve project management. While compliance was deemed adequate, there were noted risks regarding the pace of review activities and business case submissions, particularly for the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) programme. This could impact the timely delivery of transport projects across the region.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing

The committee received an annual overview of the WMCA's health, safety, and wellbeing performance. The authority maintained its ISO 45001:2018 certification for its Occupational Health & Safety Management System. Future priorities include enhancing leadership visibility, strengthening governance, and embedding psychological safety within the workforce.

Learn more about the Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee meeting