The Scrutiny Committee meeting on 13 March 2026 focused heavily on the progress and challenges of the West Yorkshire Mass Transit programme, with discussions also covering devolution, the climate emergency, and international trade. Key decisions included noting the revised timeline for the Mass Transit programme, which has been pushed back to the late 2030s, and agreeing to add strategic planning to the committee's work plan.

Mayoral Activity and Mass Transit

The majority of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the West Yorkshire Mass Transit programme. Mayor Tracy Brabin, alongside Tim Lawrence, Head of Transport Planning and Appraisal for the Mass Transit programme, and Mike Birch, Director of Mass Transit, provided details on the project's progress.

A significant point of discussion was the revised timeline for Mass Transit, which has been shifted from the mid-2030s to the late 2030s. This delay is attributed to several factors, including the need to reduce risks associated with the consenting process, refine the value for money assessment of the business case, and navigate a more robust assurance framework agreed with the Department for Transport (DfT). The programme is also undergoing an independent peer review by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) as it aims to be included in the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP).

Despite the revised timeline, Mayor Brabin reiterated her commitment to having spades in the ground by 2028, with preparatory works continuing. The project remains a government-retained scheme, with ongoing collaboration with the DfT to ensure alignment with priorities and funding certainty. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to long-term funding for Mass Transit through future rounds of the Transport for City Regions Fund.

Discussions also touched upon the integration of Mass Transit with other transport modes, including active travel and bus franchising. The development of the Weaver Network and bus franchising is progressing, with the launch of the brand, procurement of tenders, and design of new bus fleets underway. The Combined Authority has also approved plans to accelerate depot electrification to support a zero-emission bus fleet.

The committee also reviewed the Combined Authority's budget and the Integrated Settlement, which provides greater flexibility in how resources are invested. The budget for 2026/27 is £1.25 billion, with significant funding allocated to adult skills, jobs programmes, new homes, and transport capital programmes.

Further details on the Mass Transit programme can be found in the reports presented to the Combined Authority on 18 September 2025¹ and 22 January 2026², as well as the exchange of letters between the Mayor and the Rail Minister³⁴.

Devolution and Community Empowerment

The progress of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill through Parliament was noted, with its expected Royal Assent in Spring/Summer 2026. Mayor Brabin has been actively engaging with government ministers to shape amendments to the bill. The committee also discussed the challenges and opportunities of devolution, including the need for greater fiscal devolution and the development of a sustainable funding model for combined authorities.

Climate and Environment Plan Implementation

The committee received an update on the implementation of the Climate and Environment Plan. Key points included the progress on retrofitting social homes, with Wave 3 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund expected to deliver 5,000 homes over three years. Challenges with the Solar PV programme due to Distribution Network Operator (DNO) processes were highlighted, with ongoing work to strengthen relationships with Northern Power Grid. Lessons learned from social housing retrofit schemes, particularly regarding resident engagement and confidence, are being incorporated into new schemes. The committee also discussed the need to retrofit 50% of owner-occupier homes to meet net-zero targets and the role of the Climate, Energy and Environment Committee in monitoring progress.

Trade Missions and International Links

Mayor Brabin reported on the success of the trade mission to Switzerland and Germany, highlighting the signing of deals and follow-up meetings. The mission aimed to develop stronger trade links and share knowledge, particularly in the financial and professional services sectors. Discussions also covered opportunities for collaboration in vocational education and the potential for setting up centres of innovation around rail and tram technology. The Mayor also mentioned upcoming international engagement, including a joint trade mission to India and a Great North Investment Conference in Leeds.

Next Steps and Work Plan

The committee noted the Work Plan for 2025/26 and agreed to add strategic planning to the successor committee's work plan. The committee also discussed the importance of scrutiny's role in pre-scrutiny inquiries and the need for a more active interest in new strategies.