The West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday 25 June 2026 to discuss a range of important matters. Key topics include the formalisation of committee arrangements and appointments, updates on devolution and the Integrated Settlement, and project approvals for transport and local infrastructure. The Board will also consider the Local Skills Improvement Plan and the year-end financial outturn report.

Membership of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board

The Board is set to consider the membership of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board. This includes noting the appointments of Board Members and Substitutes by the Constituent Councils and the Non-Constituent Council, the City of York Council. Mayor Tracy Brabin will hold the position of Chair of the Combined Authority Board, with Councillor James Lewis continuing as Deputy Mayor. The Board will also appoint a member and substitute from the Council of the West Yorkshire Business Board. The report highlights that the appointment of Political Balance Members is currently deferred, pending Kirklees Council confirming its representative.

Committee Arrangements and Appointments

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to agreeing amended terms of reference for the Combined Authority's committees and appointing members to these bodies. This includes the formal appointment of statutory committees such as the Governance and Audit Committee and the Scrutiny Committee, as well as decision-making committees like the Investment Board and the Weaver Network Board. The Board will also appoint members to these committees, including co-opted members, and determine voting rights for committee members. The appointment of Chairs and Deputy Chairs for these committees is also scheduled for discussion.

Devolution and the Integrated Settlement Update

The Board will receive an update on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, which has recently received Royal Assent. This Act establishes Strategic Authorities and designates West Yorkshire Combined Authority as an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority, granting it access to a broad range of devolved powers and functions across nine defined areas of competence. These include transport, skills, housing, economic development, environment, health, public safety, culture, and rural affairs. The Act also introduces new duties, such as the Mayor's power to appoint Commissioners and a Duty to Collaborate with neighbouring authorities.

Furthermore, an update will be provided on the West Yorkshire Integrated Settlement, which commenced delivery in April 2026. The Outcomes Framework for 2026/27 to 2028/29 has been agreed with the Government, and a second iteration is in development, incorporating revised targets for city densification and retrofitting. The Combined Authority will submit six-monthly monitoring reports to the Government's Integrated Settlement Programme Board. The Devolution and Integrated Settlement Programme is also being refreshed to support ongoing implementation and future devolution, including the Right to Request process for further devolved powers.

Project Approvals - Transport & Local Infrastructure

Several projects within the Transport and Local Infrastructure theme are scheduled for approval. This includes additional funding for the Highways Asset Management Programme, which supports essential maintenance activities across West Yorkshire. The programme, funded by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and Department for Transport top-up funds, aims to improve journey quality, reduce congestion, and support economic growth. The Leeds Inner Ring Road (LIRR) Retaining Walls scheme is also seeking approval for significant funding to undertake essential maintenance on this critical city highway. Additionally, a delegated decision regarding the Rail Parking Package at Moorthorpe is to be noted.

West Yorkshire Housing Investment Fund

The Board is being asked to approve the establishment of a West Yorkshire Housing Investment Fund programme, designed to unlock key development sites and drive housing delivery across the region. This fund will consolidate various funding streams from the Integrated Settlement, with a potential deployment of up to £334.62 million. The programme aims to unlock 2,275 homes by March 2029, with potential for further delivery beyond this timeframe. The report outlines an indicative pipeline of potential projects and proposes officer delegations for capital schemes valued up to £20 million to improve decision-making efficiency. A revenue scheme, the Housing Enabler Fund (£5.5 million), is also seeking approval to de-risk sites for development.

Staffing Update

The Board will be asked to endorse management decisions regarding the Senior Leadership Structure. This includes the creation of an Executive Director for Economy role, replacing the Chief Operating Officer post, to strengthen strategic leadership in economic development. The creation of a Director of Transport Commercial role is also proposed to enhance operational and commercial oversight for bus franchising, alongside a change in the Transport Services Director role to Director of Transport Operations. These changes aim to align leadership capacity with strategic priorities and the expanding responsibilities of the Combined Authority.

Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)

The Board is requested to endorse the draft West Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), developed by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. As the designated employer representative body, the Chamber is responsible for producing the LSIP, which aims to align employer needs with skills provision. The LSIP focuses on key growth sectors identified in the Local Growth Plan, including Digital & Technology, Financial & Professional Services, HealthTech & Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, Creative & Cultural Industries, and the Green Economy. The Combined Authority has collaborated with the Chamber to ensure alignment with regional strategies, including the Region of Learning and Creativity strategy and the Adult Skills Plan.

Year End Outturn Finance Report

The Board will receive the 2025/26 outturn positions for revenue and capital. The report indicates a balanced revenue position with an anticipated surplus of £15 million, which is proposed to be transferred to earmarked reserves to bolster financial resilience. The capital programme outturn shows a total spent of £321.98 million, representing 74% of the approved budget, with underspends primarily attributed to delays in major transport schemes. The report also details budget changes for 2026/27 due to new funding awards and provides an update on Treasury Management activities, confirming compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements. A presentational error in the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2026/27 regarding the Minimum Revenue Provision policy is also to be corrected.

Minutes for Information of Committee Meetings

Finally, the Board will note the minutes, notes, and agendas of various committee meetings that have been published on the Combined Authority's website since the last meeting. This includes information from the Finance, Resources & Corporate Committee, Economy Committee, Culture, Heritage & Sport Committee, Scrutiny Committee, and the West Yorkshire Business Board.