This week in West of England Combined Authority:

Council Gears Up for New Municipal Year: Committees Reconstituted and Policies Reviewed

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Committee and the West of England Joint Committee held a joint meeting on Friday, 5 June 2026, to set the stage for the upcoming municipal year. The agenda was packed with crucial decisions regarding committee structures, annual business reports, and the vital Pay Policy Statement, all designed to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the Authority.

Establishing the Framework for 2026-27

The core of the meeting focused on reconstituting committees and agreeing to their terms of reference for the 2026-27 municipal year. This is a fundamental step that ensures the Authority can continue its work on key regional priorities. Recommendations included noting the membership of various committees, agreeing to their terms of reference, and adopting revised terms for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Audit Committee.

A significant ongoing piece of work is the review of the Authority's Constitution, which is expected to see further amendments following the commencement of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. This Act is a key piece of legislation that shapes how combined authorities operate and make decisions. The appointment of a Deputy Mayor for 2026/27 was also to be noted.

Membership arrangements for crucial committees like the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, the Audit Committee, and the Employment & Appointments Committee were proposed. Furthermore, the meeting was set to agree on arrangements for the Authority's advisory boards, including those focused on Transport, Housing Planning & Regeneration, Economy & Skills, and Environment. The Audit Committee's recommendation to appoint at least two independent members for 2026/27 was also on the table.

The report detailed the legal framework for decision-making, emphasizing that decisions are made by a simple majority of voting members present, including the Mayor or Deputy Mayor. This ensures a clear and democratic process for all significant choices.

Ensuring Fair and Transparent Pay

A critical item on the agenda was the West of England MCA's Pay Policy Statement for 2026-27. This statement is essential for outlining the Authority's policies on the pay of its Chief Executive and Chief Officers, aligning with the principles of fairness, transparency, and value for money.

Key principles include:

• Ensuring fair and equitable pay structures.
• Utilising a clear job evaluation approach.
• Balancing affordability with the need to recruit and retain skilled individuals.

The statement details remuneration for senior roles, with salary ranges informed by market data and national pay awards. It also commits to ensuring no employee earns less than the Real Living Wage and maintaining a pay ratio of no more than 10:1 between the highest and lowest-paid employees. This commitment to fair pay is particularly important for maintaining public trust and ensuring the Authority can attract and keep the talent it needs to serve residents effectively.

Setting the Schedule for the Year Ahead

The meeting was also tasked with agreeing the municipal calendar for the Authority's committee meetings and advisory boards for the 2026/27 period. This calendar provides clarity on when key decisions will be made and when public scrutiny will take place, allowing residents and stakeholders to engage with the Authority's work.

• Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee on Friday 05 June 2026

West of England Combined Authority Moves Towards Expansion and Strategic Authority Status

The West of England Combined Authority Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 1 June 2026, to discuss significant steps towards expanding the Authority and achieving greater strategic powers. The committee also reviewed progress on major development projects and funding initiatives, highlighting the real-world impact of these decisions on communities and infrastructure.

North Somerset Joins the Fold: A Step Towards Greater Devolution

A major focus of the meeting was the expansion of the West of England Combined Authority to include North Somerset Council. Following a public consultation where over half of the thousand-plus responses were in favour, the committee supported the proposal to submit the application to the government. This expansion is a significant move, aiming to create a more unified and powerful regional body. The timeline for North Somerset's formal inclusion is anticipated within the current financial year, though this is dependent on government and parliamentary processes. This expansion could lead to more coordinated regional planning and investment, potentially benefiting all residents across the combined authority area.

Brabazon Innovation Arc: Shaping Future Communities

The committee received an update on the Brabazon and West of England Innovation Arc, a proposed new town undergoing strategic environmental assessment. The designation of this area as a non-statutory mayoral development zone was approved. While this designation doesn't grant formal planning powers, it aims to bring stakeholders together to focus discussions and establish a joint delivery team. This is crucial for ensuring that large-scale developments like the proposed 7,000-capacity arena and over 6,500 homes at Brabazon are managed effectively.

However, concerns were raised by Councillor Mark Weston and Councillor Edison about the impact on existing communities, particularly in Bristol's Henry Brentry and Southmead areas. Residents expressed feeling done to rather than with, highlighting the need for existing communities to benefit from growth and for their concerns to be heard. Questions were also raised about the adequacy of proposed transport improvements to manage the significant increase in people movement, especially during peak times and after events. John Wilkinson, Director of Place at the Combined Authority, clarified that transport assessments have been conducted and that the current proposal seeks investment to enable transport solutions beyond what is already consented.

Brownfield Housing Fund: Unlocking Stalled Development

The committee also discussed the £45 million Brownfield Housing Fund, aimed at unlocking stalled housing sites. The Combined Authority is working with Homes England and unitary authorities to identify these sites and address viability constraints. Concerns were raised by Councillor Toby Wells regarding the delegation of decision-making for this fund, particularly given the lack of detailed priorities and governance mechanisms. He recommended deferring the decision on the second recommendation until a later report, arguing this would not delay delivery. Officers noted that a strategic place partnership, including political representatives, would be the primary vehicle for governance, supported by an independent investment committee with specialist expertise.

Hicks Gate Masterplan: Coordinated Development

The Hicks Gate masterplan, a joint initiative involving Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, and South Gloucestershire Council, was also reviewed. This non-statutory plan aims to maximise housing densities, protect the A4 corridor for mass transit, and ensure a joined-up approach to wider infrastructure like schools. Councillor Jos Clark highlighted the need for improved communication with local councillors whose wards are directly affected, a point echoed by Councillor Gourley. The Director of Homes and Regeneration acknowledged the feedback and committed to improving engagement.

• West of England Combined Authority Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting on Monday 01 June 2026

Employment Law Changes Prompt Policy Review at West of England Combined Authority

The Employment and Appointments Committee met on Friday, 5 June 2026, to address upcoming changes in employment legislation and their potential impact on the West of England Combined Authority's (WECA) HR policies and contractual terms. The committee reviewed proposed changes designed to mitigate legal and financial risks associated with new laws coming into effect from 1 January 2027.

Adapting to New Employment Legislation

The primary focus of the meeting was to consider and approve a series of contractual and policy changes in anticipation of new employment legislation. These changes include a reduction in the qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection from two years to six months, an extension of the employment tribunal claim limitation period from three months to six months, and the removal of the statutory cap on unfair dismissal compensation. These legislative shifts could significantly increase the risk of employment disputes and tribunal claims for employers.

Key recommendations put before the committee included:

• Reducing the Probationary Period: A proposal to shorten the contractual probation period for new employees from six months to four months, with an option to extend by one month. This aims to ensure that probationary periods are concluded before employees gain enhanced unfair dismissal rights.
• Revised Contracts of Employment: Approval for a revised Contract of Employment for all new employees starting from 1 July 2026. This updated contract is designed to reflect the new legal landscape.
• Mitigating Legal and Financial Risks: Noting the increased risks and supporting the proposed measures to mitigate them.
• Amending Disciplinary Policy: Approval of amendments to the Disciplinary Policy concerning the management of allegations against Statutory Officers.

These proposed changes are part of the MCA's People and Cultural transformation programme, aiming to ensure legal compliance and alignment with current best practices. The report highlighted potential risks, such as managers failing to conclude probationary processes within the revised timescales, and outlined measures to mitigate these, including updated guidance and manager briefings.

• Employment and Appointments Committee meeting on Friday 05 June 2026