The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the Corporate Performance Report for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, an update on the Bus Franchising Independent Review, and consideration of the committee's work programme and terms of reference.

Corporate Performance Report Q4 2025/26

The committee is scheduled to receive the Corporate Performance Report for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. This report provides an update on the performance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) within the Interim Outcomes Framework, which align with the six strategic objectives of the Corporate Plan 2025-29: Growth, Connectivity, Jobs, Homes, Resilience, and Performance. The report includes a dashboard summarising performance data, details on updated or new KPIs, and an exception report highlighting KPIs that are significantly off target. It also presents progress on the Annual Business Plan activities, assessed using a Red, Amber, or Green (RAG) status. Additionally, the report will outline the outcomes of the Gateway Review evaluating the impact of the Combined Authority's Devolution Deal, which has confirmed funding for the next five years.

Bus Franchising: Independent Review into Bus Franchising Implementation Pathways, Strategic Delivery Plan and Next Steps

A significant item on the agenda is the presentation of the Mayor's Independent Review into Implementation Pathways for the CPCA Bus Franchising Scheme. This review, conducted by Steer, assesses various implementation pathways for bus franchising, considering affordability, deliverability, market capacity, and risk. The report recommends a hybrid approach, combining short-term direct awards to existing operators and/or service permits with a phased introduction of competitively tendered franchise contracts. This strategy aims to balance risk, encourage market participation, and facilitate a smoother transition to a fully franchised network. The review also addresses the depot strategy, recommending CPCA-owned depots in Peterborough and Cambridge to ensure fair competition, and a fleet strategy that reconsiders operator-owned fleets in favour of CPCA ownership or leasing of electric buses for larger lots. The report details proposed lotting strategies for different geographical areas and service types, and outlines a revised programme timeline, acknowledging that the original timelines are no longer practical due to financial constraints, depot readiness, and data limitations.

O&S Work Programme and Terms of Reference

The committee will consider its work programme for the upcoming municipal year and discuss any suggestions or amendments. This includes reviewing the draft work programme for 2026/27 and considering the establishment of working groups for the Interim Outcomes Framework and the Budget. The committee will also review and comment on proposals to update its Terms of Reference, particularly in light of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, which grants enhanced powers to Mayors and introduces new roles for Overview and Scrutiny in relation to mayoral commissioner appointments.

Appointment of Scrutiny Lead Members

The committee is scheduled to appoint scrutiny lead members who will shadow the work of the Combined Authority's thematic committees. These roles are designed to enhance the Overview and Scrutiny function by ensuring key issues are fed back to committee members, enabling them to identify areas for further scrutiny.

Scrutiny Lead Member Reports

Following the appointment of scrutiny lead members, the committee will review reports from these individuals, covering the work of the Thematic Committees.

Forward Plan

The committee will review the CPCA Forward Plan, which outlines future decisions to be taken by the Combined Authority Board, Thematic Committees, or by Mayoral Decision Notice. This allows for transparency and public awareness of upcoming decisions. The committee will discuss if any items should be added to their work programme.

Recommendations/Questions to the CA Board

Finally, the committee will discuss and agree any recommendations or questions it wishes to put forward to the Chair to be raised at the next Combined Authority Board meeting on 15 July 2026.