This week in West Yorkshire Combined Authority:

Mass Transit Plans Advance as Committee Reconstitutes and Consultations Progress

The West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Joint Committee met on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026, to formally reconstitute itself following recent elections and to review the progress of the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) Joint Development Plan Document (JDPD). This framework is crucial for guiding future development and ensuring it aligns with the region's ambitious mass transit plans, impacting everything from where new homes can be built to how communities are connected.

Rebuilding the Committee for Future Planning

The meeting marked the formal re-establishment of the Joint Committee, a necessary step after local elections. While most West Yorkshire councils had appointed their representatives, the committee noted that Bradford was yet to appoint a substitute member, and Kirklees Council was still finalising its appointments due to not having formed its Executive. This highlights the procedural steps involved in local government, ensuring all voices are represented.

The committee was asked to nominate and appoint a Chair and Deputy Chair, and to reconfirm the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) as the lead authority. Mayor Tracy Brabin will continue to be co-opted in a non-voting capacity, a practice established in January 2026. The committee's Terms of Reference and Deed of Agreement, which outline meeting procedures and voting rights, were also to be considered. These documents are fundamental to how decisions are made, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Spatial Development Framework Moves Towards Final Consultation

A key focus was the West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework (SDF) Joint Development Plan Document (JDPD) Regulation 19 Consultation report. This framework is a vital planning document that will form part of the statutory development plan for each of the five West Yorkshire Local Planning Authorities. Its purpose is to ensure that land use, growth, regeneration, and infrastructure investment are all aligned with the delivery of current and future phases of Mass Transit.

The report detailed the outcomes of the Regulation 18 consultation, which took place earlier this year. This consultation sought views from the public, businesses, and various organisations on the draft JDPD. While there was broad support for the SDF's principles, including integrated transport and land-use planning, feedback highlighted a need for greater clarity on its relationship with Local Plan reviews and its specific delivery and safeguarding roles.

Following this feedback, district local planning officers and WYCA technical leads have developed policies for the Regulation 19 consultation. This is the final stage of public consultation before the JDPD is submitted for examination. The report outlined the next steps, including a Full Council decision to submit the JDPD for examination in December 2026, and a subsequent decision to adopt the plan in Spring 2027.

The committee was asked to approve the SDF JDPD Regulation 19 Consultation report for issuance. This process is critical for ensuring that future development supports sustainable transport and community connectivity, ultimately impacting residents' daily lives by shaping the places they live, work, and travel through.

You can find more details in the West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Joint Committee meeting agenda.

Weaver Network Board Launches, Tackling Bus and Rail Performance

The inaugural meeting of the Weaver Network Board took place on Thursday, July 23rd, 2026. This new board is tasked with overseeing the integrated transport system for West Yorkshire, with a strong focus on improving bus and rail services for residents. The discussions highlighted both progress and persistent challenges in delivering reliable and accessible public transport.

Establishing Governance for Integrated Transport

The Board formally adopted its governance arrangements, with Mayor Tracy Brabin serving as Chair and Councillor Eleanor Thomson as Deputy Chair. The new structure aims to provide greater decision-making power compared to previous committees, a move welcomed by Councillor Peter Carlill, who noted the potential for more decisive action on transport issues. The arrangements ensure that decisions require a simple majority, with the Mayor or Deputy Mayor needing to be part of that majority. This structure is designed to ensure that strategic transport decisions are made with clear leadership and accountability.

Bus Performance: Progress and Persistent Concerns

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a quarterly update on bus performance. While punctuality has improved to 85.4% and service reliability has strengthened with fewer cancellations, overall patronage continues to decline year-on-year, largely due to a reduction in adult journeys.

• Customer Satisfaction: Satisfaction with bus services has increased to 81%, with notable improvements in punctuality and waiting times. However, value for money remains a concern for passengers, with satisfaction dropping to 58%.
• Safety and Accessibility: A persistent gender gap in confidence using buses after dark was highlighted, with only 39% of women feeling safe compared to 65% of men. This is a critical issue for vulnerable groups, impacting their ability to travel independently and safely. Investment in bus station refurbishments and the development of the Weaver Network app, which will include features to report unsafe areas, are intended to address these concerns.
• Future of Fares: The upcoming national £2 bus fare cap from January 2027 was discussed, with the Combined Authority considering its implications for the region's own fare policy. This could offer significant relief to many residents struggling with the cost of living.

Councillor Darren Commons questioned the sustainability of the £120 million annual subsidy if patronage continues to fall. Tim Taylor, Director of Transport Services, explained that improved punctuality can sometimes be achieved by stretching timetables, leading to slower journeys, and detailed the various funding streams supporting the bus network. The move towards bus franchising is expected to provide more detailed data and greater control over service delivery.

Rail Performance: Growth and Infrastructure Investment

The Board also received an update on rail network performance. Passenger demand remains strong, with growth across all major operators.

• Service Adjustments: Northern is proposing changes to some services to improve reliability, which may mean some passengers lose direct services but are expected to improve overall network performance.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Significant investment is ongoing in rail infrastructure, including the TransPennine Route Upgrade. New stations at Farr Park and Allen Station are nearing development.
• Rail Reform: The Railways Bill progressing through Parliament proposes a statutory role for Mayoral Strategic Authorities like West Yorkshire in rail. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the rail industry, paving the way for future partnership with Great British Railways (GBR).

Councillor Eleanor Thomson raised concerns about the capacity and affordability of CrossCountry services, describing journeys as being like a sardine tin. Mayor Brabin noted that CrossCountry has invested in longer trains to alleviate capacity issues. Councillor Keith Anderson shared a poignant account of an incident on a train, commending the staff for their professionalism and highlighting the human element in service delivery.

The Board noted the updates, with members encouraged to provide feedback on desired improvements for future oversight and service delivery. These discussions are vital for ensuring that transport services meet the needs of all residents, particularly those who rely on them most.

You can find more details in the Weaver Network Board meeting agenda.

This week in West Yorkshire Combined Authority:

Investment Board Pours Millions into Transport, Skills, and Regeneration

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Investment Board met on Thursday, July 16th, 2026, making significant decisions that will shape the region's future. From improving bus routes in Leeds to boosting construction skills and supporting local businesses, the Board approved substantial funding aimed at driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

£650,000 to Speed Up Buses in Leeds

Residents travelling by bus in Leeds will soon experience quicker and more reliable journeys thanks to the approval of over £650,000 for bus priority measures on South Accommodation Road. This funding will transform a general traffic lane into a dedicated 24-hour bus lane and introduce signalisation at the Atkinson Street roundabout to ease congestion.

The scheme, which aims to reduce bus journey times and improve punctuality, is a crucial step in making public transport a more attractive option for commuters. Councillor Salma Arif, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council, championed the project, highlighting its benefits for people travelling into the city from across the region. This investment directly addresses the frustration many feel when bus journeys are unpredictable due to traffic, impacting their ability to get to work or appointments on time.

• Funding: £654,734 from the Combined Authority, bringing the total to £791,000.
• Impact: Improved bus journey times and reliability for thousands of passengers.
• Outcome: The scheme is set to begin in October and be completed by December.

You can find more details in the Investment Board meeting agenda.

Millions Invested in Skills to Fuel Future Growth

Recognising that a skilled workforce is the bedrock of a strong economy, the Board approved significant funding for several initiatives designed to boost skills development and employment opportunities across West Yorkshire.

• Tackling Tutor Shortages: To ensure colleges can offer vital courses, particularly in engineering and manufacturing, the Addressing Tutor Shortages in Further Education scheme received approval for an extended delivery timeline and a refocused scope. This aims to bring industry expertise into the classroom, ensuring students receive the best possible training.
• Boosting Construction Skills: Up to £6.73 million was allocated to the Construction Skills Capital programme. This will enhance training capacity at Further Education providers, with Leeds College of Building acting as a regional hub. This is vital for meeting the demand for skilled workers in the construction sector, which is essential for delivering new homes and infrastructure. Councillor Andrew Judson voiced his support, while also advocating for previously allocated funding to be reinstated for a Skills College in Keighley.
• Apprenticeship Drive: In principle, the Board approved the acceptance of up to £10 million for an Apprenticeship Brokerage pilot. If successful in securing government funding, this pilot will simplify the process for employers and aspiring apprentices, aiming to increase the number of apprenticeships taken up across the region.
• Supporting Health and Work: The WorkWell Programme, designed to help individuals with health conditions enter or remain in employment, received approval for the transfer of over £10 million in funding from the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. Councillor Stephen Dransfield highlighted the critical importance of addressing mental health challenges within this programme, a concern echoed by many as the cost of living crisis continues to impact well-being.

These investments are crucial for ensuring that West Yorkshire's residents have access to the training and support they need to secure good jobs and for businesses to find the talent they require to grow and innovate.

Driving Economic Development and Regeneration

The Board also approved a suite of measures to stimulate economic development and regeneration across the region:

• Integrated Business Support: Up to £7 million was allocated to the Business Support Infrastructure (Ecosystem) scheme. This will create a more connected and accessible business support system, ensuring that businesses, from start-ups to established firms, can easily find the advice and resources they need through a no wrong door approach. Councillor Sarah Courtney welcomed this initiative, noting its potential to empower local regions.
• Local Authority Business Support: The Business Support Infrastructure (Local Authority Framework) received up to £9.2 million. This will enable local authorities to deliver tailored business support within their areas, operating under a shared regional framework and focusing on agreed outcomes. This empowers local councils to best serve their specific business communities.
• Supply Chain Strengthening: £2 million was approved for the West Yorkshire Supply Chain Programme. This initiative aims to connect manufacturing businesses to national and international supply chains, helping them diversify their customer base and improve their readiness for global markets. Mayor Tracy Brabin emphasised the critical role West Yorkshire businesses play in supplying vital sectors, such as the satellite industry.
• Digital Transformation for Manufacturing: The Made Smarter (Manufacturing) scheme received up to £1.09 million to help small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) adopt digital tools, boosting productivity and sustainability.
• Leeds Old Medical School Regeneration: The Investment Zone Capital – Old Medical School project in Leeds was approved to move to the outline business case stage. This project aims to transform the historic Old Medical School into innovation workspace for the health tech sector, with a potential Combined Authority contribution of up to £20 million. Councillor Matthew Pinder raised a query about ensuring local businesses, such as ADE Power, are considered in regeneration efforts, receiving assurance that their expansion plans would be discussed.

Greener Homes and Flood Defences

The Board also addressed environmental concerns and community resilience:

• Home Energy Loans: The Home Energy West Yorkshire – Phase 2 Home Energy Loan Scheme was approved, with the Combined Authority providing £6.97 million. This scheme offers low-interest loans for home retrofitting, helping residents improve energy efficiency, reduce bills, and strengthen their homes against rising energy costs. Councillor Andrew Judson raised an important point about ensuring tenants benefit from landlord loans, particularly regarding battery storage systems.
• Brighouse Flood Alleviation: The Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 1 received approval for an extension to its delivery timeline and a scope adjustment. Councillor Keith Ingle spoke strongly in support, highlighting the devastating impact of flooding in the Calder Valley. Concerns were raised by Councillor Stephan Dransfield and Councillor Salma Arif about water being diverted downstream, a point acknowledged by the Mayor as a key focus for future upstream mitigation efforts.

These decisions reflect a comprehensive approach to building a stronger, more prosperous, and resilient West Yorkshire, with a clear focus on supporting residents and businesses through targeted investment.

This week in West Yorkshire Combined Authority:

Governance and Audit Committee Tackles Internal Controls and Financial Reporting

The Governance and Audit Committee met on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, to scrutinise the Combined Authority's internal governance, audit plans, and financial statements. Key discussions focused on strengthening control frameworks, improving the clarity of governance reporting, and addressing the persistent challenges in external audit opinions. The committee's work is crucial for ensuring public funds are managed effectively and that the authority operates with integrity, particularly impacting vulnerable residents who rely on council services.

Annual Governance Statement Faces Scrutiny Over Clarity and Risk Reporting

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the draft Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2025/26. While acknowledging the achievement of meeting the statutory deadline for its publication, councillors raised concerns about its clarity and the depth of risk reporting.

• Clarity for the Public: Councillor Alex Greenwood expressed concern that the AGS was not easily understandable for residents, stating, if I were to give this AGS to one of my residents in one of my wards, they would not be able to navigate it and they would not be able to understand how the authority thought its own governance was currently being conducted. This highlights the challenge of balancing technical compliance with public accessibility, ensuring that those who rely on council services can understand how decisions are made and how public money is managed.
• Risk Reporting Gaps: Councillor David Dews pointed out that the risk management paragraph on page 35 of the report did not adequately reflect the limited assurance findings from internal audit, suggesting it presented a more positive picture than reality. He argued that significant governance issues listed lacked sufficient explanation of the issue itself, the proposed actions, and the accountable officers, making it difficult for the public to understand the challenges and the authority's response. This lack of detail can leave residents feeling uninformed about potential risks to service delivery.
• Governance Improvement Plan: The committee agreed to revisit the Governance Improvement Plan in more detail at a future meeting, acknowledging that it needs to clearly outline actions, timescales, and accountable officers for each identified issue. This is vital for ensuring that improvements are actually implemented and that there is clear accountability for addressing governance weaknesses, which can have direct consequences for service provision.

The committee noted the paper, with officers tasked with addressing the feedback on clarity and risk reporting. You can find more details in the Governance & Audit Committee meeting agenda.

Internal Audit Opinion Remains Less Than Adequate

Bronwyn Baker, Head of Internal Audit, presented her annual opinion for 2025/26, which unfortunately remained less than adequate for the second consecutive year. This opinion is a critical indicator of the effectiveness of the Combined Authority's internal controls and governance processes.

• Reasons for the Opinion: Baker attributed the persistent less than adequate rating to the organisation's significant growth, leadership changes, and expanding devolved responsibilities, which have impacted the embedding of necessary improvements. This suggests that the rapid pace of change, while potentially bringing new opportunities, has also created challenges in maintaining robust internal oversight.
• Impact on Services: A less than adequate audit opinion can signal underlying weaknesses in financial controls, operational efficiency, and compliance. For residents, this could translate into a higher risk of service disruptions, inefficient use of public funds, or a lack of robust safeguards for sensitive data.
• Safeguards and CEO Engagement: To address concerns about independence, additional safeguards have been implemented, including a protocol for direct escalation of independence issues to the committee chair. Furthermore, a direct communication line with the CEO, Ben Still, has been established, with the CEO actively pushing for action on audit findings. This demonstrates a commitment to addressing the issues, but the continued opinion highlights the scale of the challenge.

Councillor John Taylor praised the audit team's work but requested more detail on areas with minimal assurance findings, particularly financial controls, arguing that the public needed to understand what actions were being taken. The committee agreed that minimal assurance reports should be discussed individually with relevant directors in future. This focus on transparency is crucial for public trust and for ensuring that financial mismanagement does not negatively impact essential services.

The committee discussed the development of an integrated assurance framework, with an update expected in October. For more information, see the Governance & Audit Committee meeting agenda.

External Audit History and Rebuilding Assurance

Alastair Newall, the external auditor from Forvis Mazars, provided an update on the ongoing challenges with external audit opinions. He described the situation as troubled, with disclaimed audit opinions in recent years due to delays and resource constraints.

• Rebuilding Trust: Newall emphasised that rebuilding assurance will take time. The focus for the current year is on risk assessment to determine the approach for rebuilding assurance. This process is vital for restoring confidence in the Combined Authority's financial reporting, which is fundamental to its accountability to residents.
• Value for Money Weaknesses: An omission in the report was corrected, highlighting two value for money weaknesses, one of which related to bank reconciliation controls. Kate Taylor, Director - Finance & Commercial Services, confirmed that the authority identified this weakness internally and that controls are now in place. Inaccurate bank reconciliations can lead to misstatements in financial reports, potentially impacting the accuracy of budgets allocated to local services.

The committee noted the update. For further details, please refer to the Governance & Audit Committee meeting agenda.

Statement of Accounts 2025/26 Published on Time

A significant achievement highlighted was the publication of the draft statement of accounts for 2025/26 by the statutory deadline of June 30th. Kate Taylor described this as a significant achievement given the authority's history, attributing it to a strong focus on capacity, capability, and planning.

• Team Effort: Taylor thanked the finance team for their considerable effort, acknowledging the late nights involved. This achievement is crucial for transparency and accountability, providing residents with a clear picture of the authority's financial performance.
• Future Complexity: Despite this success, Taylor cautioned that the process would not necessarily become easier due to the changing and increasing complexity of the authority's work, particularly with initiatives like bus franchising. This means that while the finance team is building capability, the demands on their expertise will continue to grow, potentially impacting the resources available for other essential council functions.

The committee noted the update. More information can be found in the Governance & Audit Committee meeting agenda.

Data Protection and Risk Management Updates

The committee also received updates on data protection performance and the corporate risk register.

• Data Protection: Saeema Hawaldar, the Data Protection Officer, reported progress against the ICO's accountability framework, with 82% of requirements fully met. There was a marked improvement in responding to information requests within statutory timeframes, despite an increase in volume. Councillor Robin Cumming commended the performance, particularly given the increasing volumes of requests.
• Risk Management: Ismail Mayat, Risk & Compliance Manager, presented the corporate risk register, noting 14 risks with little change from previous reports. An error in the rating of the bus franchising risk was corrected, increasing its rating from high to very high. Cyber-related risks were noted as well-managed, with the authority achieving Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation. The committee moved to a closed session to discuss exempt risks related to security.

This week in West Yorkshire Combined Authority:

Combined Authority Board Reshapes Governance and Approves Major Funding for Housing and Transport

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board met on Thursday, June 25th, 2026, to approve significant changes to its governance structures and allocate substantial funding towards critical housing and transport infrastructure projects. These decisions are set to shape the region's development and service delivery for years to come, with a particular focus on enhancing the Combined Authority's ability to respond to the evolving needs of its residents.

Overhauling Governance for a Devolved Future

A central theme of the meeting was the formalisation of new governance arrangements, driven by the recent passage of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. This landmark legislation designates West Yorkshire as an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority, granting it broader devolved powers and a more flexible approach to managing its integrated settlement.

Key governance changes approved include:

• Committee Structure and Appointments: The Board ratified updated terms of reference for its committees, including the Governance and Audit Committee and the Scrutiny Committee, to align with new legislative requirements. New decision-making bodies, the Investment Board and the Weaver Network Board, were also established. Appointments to these committees were confirmed, with provisions for voting rights for independent and co-opted members.
• Constitutional Amendments: Significant updates to the Combined Authority's Constitution were adopted. These include the introduction of a new article on Mayoral Commissioners, allowing the Mayor to delegate functions to appointed commissioners while retaining accountability. Financial regulations were also updated to align with current legislation and improve clarity.
• Officer Delegation Scheme: An updated scheme was approved, clarifying officer responsibilities and internal controls to ensure efficient operational decision-making while reserving strategic decisions for the Board.
• Assurance for Mayoral PCC Functions: Governance arrangements for the Mayor's Policing and Crime Commissioner (PCC) functions were restructured. Corporate assurance responsibilities will now transfer to the Governance and Audit Committee, while a new Independent Audit Committee will focus solely on overseeing West Yorkshire Police, creating a clearer separation between corporate and policing assurance.
• Corporate Governance and Annual Statement: The revised Corporate Governance Code and Framework, setting the standard for assurance within the Combined Authority, was adopted. The draft Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26 was also approved for publication, confirming sound governance arrangements while identifying areas for continuous improvement.

Mayor Tracy Brabin highlighted the significance of these changes, stating, The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act has now received its royal assent, granting deeper devolution and greater freedoms to mayors and combined authorities. It formalises a new tier of government, mayoral strategic authorities. [^1]

The Board also noted the appointment of its members for the new municipal year, with Mayor Tracy Brabin continuing as Chair and Councillor James Lewis serving as Deputy Mayor. However, the appointment of political balance members was deferred pending Kirklees Council appointing its representative. A notable change is that non-constituent council and Business Board members will no longer have voting rights.

For more details on these governance changes, please refer to the Combined Authority Board meeting agenda.

Investing in Homes and Highways: £300 Million for Infrastructure

The Board committed substantial funding to critical infrastructure projects, signalling a strong focus on improving the region's housing stock and road network.

West Yorkshire Housing Investment Fund Launched

A major step forward for housing delivery was the approval to establish the West Yorkshire Housing Investment Fund. This programme will pool devolved Integrated Settlement funding to deliver up to £334.62 million for housing development across the region. The fund comprises a capital programme and a £5.5 million Housing Enabler Fund designed to de-risk sites and encourage development.

This initiative aims to:

• Deliver over 4,000 new homes across West Yorkshire.
• Attract significant private investment.
• Support the development of affordable housing and address the urgent need for homes, particularly for children in temporary accommodation.
• Provide forward funding for essential infrastructure around new housing developments, a move welcomed by Councillor James Lewis as a step change in many areas.

Delegations were approved for the Chief Executive to expedite decision-making on individual capital projects up to £20 million, subject to specific parameters and safeguards, ensuring agile delivery and maintaining market confidence.

£15.5 Million Boost for Highways Maintenance

Residents will benefit from improved road conditions with the approval of an additional £15.5 million for the Highways Asset Management Programme. This brings the total value of the programme to over £300 million, primarily funded by the Department for Transport. The funding will be allocated to local authority partners for highway renewal and pothole repairs across all five West Yorkshire districts.

Councillor Karl Johnson welcomed the funding, stating, It's much needed, especially in Wakefield we've got a lot of highways and potholes issues. The additional funding is largely directed towards pothole repairs, aiming to reduce congestion, lower motoring costs, and improve safety.

The Board also approved the Leeds Inner Ring Road Retaining Walls scheme to proceed to full business case and delivery, with a Combined Authority funding of over £25.3 million. This critical infrastructure project is deemed essential for maintaining traffic flow and supporting economic growth in Leeds and the wider region. Councillor Claire Douglas emphasised its importance, noting that we collectively across the whole region keep our infrastructure in good condition.

For further information on these infrastructure investments, please consult the Combined Authority Board meeting agenda.

Other Matters

Local Skills Improvement Plan Endorsed

The draft West Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), developed by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, was endorsed. This plan, aligned with the Region of Learning and Creativity strategy, focuses on key growth sectors to address local skills needs by bringing together employers, skills providers, and other stakeholders. The endorsement allows the plan to be submitted to the Minister for Skills for approval.

Financial Outturn and Budget Updates

The 2025/26 outturn finance report was noted, showing a balanced revenue position with a £15 million surplus transferred to earmarked reserves to bolster financial resilience. The report also detailed the capital programme outturn, with an underspend primarily due to rephasing and delays in major transport schemes. Budget changes for 2026/27 were also approved to incorporate new funding awards.

Staffing Structure Changes

Endorsement was given to changes in the Senior Leadership Structure, including the creation of an Executive Director for Economy role and a Director of Transport Commercial role, to manage the increasing complexity of transport services, particularly bus franchising.