The Audit and Governance Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 25 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the Mayor's independent report on bus franchising implementation pathways, alongside discussions on the authority's financial statements and internal audit strategy.

Bus Franchising: Independent Review and Strategic Delivery Plan

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the Mayor's Independent Review into Bus Franchising Implementation Pathways, Strategic Delivery Plan and Next Steps. Attendees are scheduled to note the findings and recommendations from this review, which has been conducted by Leon Daniels OBE. Following this, officers have developed a Strategic Delivery Plan (SDP) to address the key concerns identified in the review. The committee will be asked to note this plan and provide any feedback or comments. Further work is also scheduled to be discussed regarding the development of the SDP, including consultation on Service Permits and potential changes to the original outline business case.

Audit and Governance Committee - Review of Terms of Reference

Proposals to review the Audit and Governance Committee's Terms of Reference are also scheduled for consideration. This follows an independent review of the committee's effectiveness undertaken by RSM UK Risk Assurance Services LLP. The report identifies areas for enhancement, including revisions to the committee's Terms of Reference, member training, and onboarding arrangements. The committee will consider these proposals and comment on them.

CPCA Update and Monitoring Officer Update

A verbal update on the key activities of the Combined Authority (CPCA) since the last committee meeting is scheduled. Additionally, the Monitoring Officer, Matt Cumberbatch, will provide an update on the administration of the Ethical Framework, including the Code of Conduct and Gifts and Hospitality policies. This update will also cover the Ombudsman's Annual Review Letter.

Financial Statements and Audit Planning

The committee is scheduled to consider the draft Statement of Accounts and Annual Governance Statement for the 2025/26 financial year. This will allow for discussion and feedback before the statutory publication deadline. Furthermore, the external auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, will present their Provisional Audit Planning Report for 2025/26, outlining their proposed audit approach and scope for the upcoming financial year.

Internal Audit Reports

Updates on the progress of the Internal Audit Plan for 2025/26 and the proposed plan for 2026/27 to 2028/29 are scheduled. The committee will receive progress reports on ongoing audits, including those related to Contract Management and Declarations of Interest, which have received partial assurance opinions. The draft annual internal audit report for 2025/26 will also be presented, providing an overall opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Authority's risk management, control, and governance processes.

Other Matters

The agenda also includes updates on the Constitution, including recent changes resulting from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, and a review of the Corporate Risk Register, Dashboard, and Heatmap. A deep dive into the Peterborough Station Quarter (PSQ) project is also scheduled, focusing on its ability to deliver within time and budget constraints. Finally, the committee will consider the future provision of Internal Audit arrangements.