The Combined Authority Board met on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, approving amendments to the council's constitution and calendar of meetings, and noting updates on combined authority membership. Key decisions included approving the full business case for the Active Travel Consolidated Settlement 2026-2030, allocating £24,465,000 for this initiative, and approving the closure of the subsidiary Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Business Growth Company Limited.

Updates to the Constitution

The Board approved changes to the Combined Authority's Constitution, as proposed in Sections 4 and 5 of the report, and noted amendments made by the Monitoring Officer under delegated powers. These updates aim to ensure the Constitution remains compliant with legislative changes, reflects current governance arrangements, and addresses issues identified through committee meetings and operational experience. Key amendments include clarifying the role of Scrutiny (Thematic Committee) Leads, revising the quorum for Thematic Committees to five members (including the Chair and at least four constituent authority members), and updating the Audit and Governance Committee's Terms of Reference based on internal audit recommendations. Legislative changes from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 have also been incorporated, including provisions for Mayoral Commissioners, updates to the Members' Code of Conduct, and changes to officer delegation schemes.

CPCA Meetings Calendar

Amendments to the 2026/27 calendar of meetings were approved, including rescheduling the Combined Authority Board meeting from 27 January 2027 to 13 January 2027 to accommodate Mayoral paternity leave. This necessitated rescheduling ten preceding committee meetings into December 2026 and early January 2027. The draft calendar of meetings for the 2027/28 municipal year was also approved, maintaining established governance structures such as quarterly CA Board meetings and monthly Funding Committee meetings.

Chief Executive Highlights Report

Rob Bridge, Chief Executive, provided an update on key activities. He highlighted the Rewiring the State initiative, a significant government policy aimed at devolving powers and funding to local leaders to drive economic growth and improve public services. The Combined Authority is actively engaged in this process, with Mr Bridge involved in the fiscal devolution workstream. He also mentioned the upcoming White Paper on devolution, expected in the autumn, and the ongoing work on fiscal devolution focusing on business rates and income tax. The report also touched upon the Abbott-Milburn review of NEST, the National Audit Office report on devolution and mayoral combined authorities, and a roundtable with Universal Studios regarding skills, connectivity, and tourism opportunities.

Budget Update Report Q1 - 2026/27

The Board received an update on the Combined Authority's financial performance as of 30 June 2026. Overall, the authority is largely on budget for revenue and capital expenditure. However, there is a forecast slippage of £4.862m on approved capital budgets and £42.193m on Subject to Approval (STA) budgets, requiring rephasing into future years. This is largely due to project timing, with some budgets needing to be reprofiled due to delays in procurement or awaiting government feedback.

Key decisions included delegating authority to the Chief Executive to draw down £0.473m from earmarked reserves to support the response to the government's devolution agenda. Authority was also delegated to the Chief Finance Officer to include future capacity funding from the government into the Combined Authority's budget and to accept funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies to support the development of data, digital, and AI capacities. The Board noted decisions taken via the Single Assurance Framework delegations and Mayoral and Officer decisions made since the previous update. Adjustments to the 2025/26 accounts arising from audit findings were also approved.

Q1 2026/27 Corporate Performance Report

Daniel Buckridge, Performance and Evaluation Manager, presented the Q1 2026/27 Corporate Performance Report. Performance information for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the Interim Outcomes Framework (IOF) was noted, showing positive results for metrics such as bus punctuality and the number of young people supported through the Youth Guaranteed Trailblazer Programme. However, some indicators, including gigabit broadband provision and new home starts and completions, were noted as being behind trajectory. The Board approved the removal of KPI 10 (Number of job vacancies in the region) from the IOF due to a lack of clear interpretation of success, and approved amending KPI 12 (Share of out of work participant starts to achieve a lower or higher threshold job outcome) into two separate KPIs.

Corporate Risk Report

Nathan, presenting the Corporate Risk Report, noted that there were 17 risks on the register, with no 'very high' risks. Five risks were rated 'high', seven 'medium', and five 'low'. A new risk concerning the transfer of personal data outside the EU and potential GDPR non-compliance has been added. The 'Fraud occurring in CPCA' risk has been reduced from 'high' to 'medium' following an audit of grant funding agreements and the implementation of resulting actions. Additional controls and actions have been added to several risks, including AI, resilience, local growth plan, bus reform, cybersecurity, local remediation acceleration plan, and fraud.

Future of Greater South-East Net Zero (GSENZ) Hub

The Board noted the current uncertainty regarding the future funding and remit of the Greater South East Net Zero Hub. Three scenarios were presented: closure on 31 March 2027, continuation with a reduced remit, or continuation at the current resource level. Officers were authorised to undertake contingency planning for managed closure or restructure, including workforce consultation, programme exit planning, communications, financial provision, and legal assurance. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with statutory officers and the HR lead, to initiate statutory consultation and employment processes if a ministerial decision impacts the staffing structure or requires preparatory action.

Recommendations from the Funding Committee

The Board considered recommendations from the Funding Committee meeting held on 7 September 2026. Key approvals included the Outline Business Case and allocation of £557,000 in revenue funding from the Brownfield Housing Fund. The Board also approved the Full Business Case and £24,465,000 for the Active Travel Consolidated Settlement 2026-2030. Additionally, the closure of the subsidiary Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Business Growth Company Limited was approved, with authority delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to sign relevant documents for the share capital reduction. Officer decisions for projects under the Single Assurance Framework from Funding Panels held on 2 June, 1 July, and 28 July 2026 were also noted.

Recommendations from the Growth Committee

Recommendations from the Growth Committee meeting on 15 September 2026 were considered. The Board agreed the proposal for the CPCA Area Energy Governance and noted that the Executive Director of Place and Economy would be nominated to attend the Central Regional Energy Strategic Board. The Board also agreed to a novation requested by Sage Homes Limited to transfer rented units at Wisbech Road, March to Sage Rented Homes Limited, delegating authority to the Director of Place and Economy to enter into the Novation Agreement. Approval was also given to the regional destination brand and narrative.

Recommendations from the Skills Committee

The Board considered recommendations from the Skills Committee meeting on 14 September 2026. The revised Adult Skills Commissioning Strategy 2025-2028 was approved as the strategic framework for commissioning devolved adult skills funding. The continued use of a blended commissioning model, comprising Grant Funding Agreements and Contracts for Services, was endorsed. The Authority's intention to ordinarily award Contracts for Services for periods of up to three years was approved, and authority was delegated to the Assistant Director Skills & Employment to implement the Commissioning Strategy.

Recommendations from the Transport Committee

The Board addressed recommendations from the Transport Committee meeting on 9 September 2026. Approval was given to the definitions of business as usual and strategic activity, and the Decision-Making Process Chart was adopted. A spending threshold of £500,000 per annum and a pooling threshold of £2 million were approved, with delegated authority assigned to the Assistant Director Public Transport for BAU activity and to the Executive Director Transport for pooling funds. The Board approved the package of bus service changes for the Fenland, Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire & Cambridge City, East Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough areas. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director, Public Transport, to implement these proposals. The re-procurement of the Tiger on Demand services from 11 January 2027 was also approved, comprising two lots: Northern and Southern. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director, Public Transport, to finalise the procurement, award contracts, and make minor amendments. Finally, the draw-down of Transport Capacity Grant to fund work on the transport and connectivity plan was approved.

Update from Business Board

The Board noted the summary of discussions from the Business Board meeting held on 9 September 2026. Shaun Grady, Chair of the Business Board, highlighted key themes including water management, with a presentation on farm reservoirs and the challenges of licensing and environmental studies. The Board also discussed the importance of managing water flows and the need for investment in upgrading facilities. A roundtable with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) focused on challenges faced by businesses in scaling up and accessing funding. The Board agreed to the appointment of an additional member to represent the Defence Sector.

Process for Review and Refresh of the Annual Business Plan, Organisational Delivery Plan, and the Settings of the Medium-Term Financial Plan (2027/28 to 2030/31)

The Board approved the proposals for the review and revision of the Combined Authority's Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) from 2027/28, alongside a review and refresh of the Authority's Annual Business Plan (ABP), Interim Outcomes Framework (IOF), and Organisational Delivery Plan (ODP). The proposed scrutiny approach, including member task and finish working groups, was noted. The timeline for budget setting and ABP refresh was also noted, with the understanding that it may be subject to change based on government announcements. The terms of reference for the budget and annual business planning member task and finish working groups were also noted.

Budget Update Report Q1 - 2026/27

The Board noted the financial performance of the Combined Authority as at 30 June 2026. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to draw down £0.473m from earmarked reserves for additional capacity to support the Authority's response to the government's devolution agenda, with the funding to be drawn down only if required. Authority was also delegated to the Chief Finance Officer to include future capacity funding from the government into the Combined Authority's budget should further grant funding be awarded, and to accept funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies, once confirmed, to support the development of the Authority's data, digital, and AI capacities. Decisions taken via the Single Assurance Framework delegations and Mayoral and Officer decisions since the previous update were noted. The Board also noted budget changes from previous reports and approved changes to budgets arising from audit findings.

Q1 2026/27 Corporate Performance Report

The Board noted the performance information relating to the Combined Authority's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the Interim Outcomes Framework (IOF) and progress on the delivery of the Annual Business Plan. Approval was given for the removal of KPI 10 (Number of job vacancies in the region) from the IOF due to a lack of clear interpretation of success. Additionally, KPI 12 (Share of out of work participant starts to achieve a lower or higher threshold job outcome) was approved to be amended into two separate KPIs for lower and higher threshold job outcomes.

Corporate Risk Report

The Board noted the Corporate Risk Register, Dashboard, and Heatmap for September 2026. There were no 'very high' risks identified. Five risks were rated 'high', seven 'medium', and five 'low'. A new risk concerning the transfer of personal data outside the EU and potential GDPR non-compliance was added. The 'Fraud occurring in CPCA' risk was reduced from 'high' to 'medium' following an audit and implementation of actions. Additional controls and actions have been added to several risks, including AI, resilience, local growth plan, bus reform, cybersecurity, local remediation acceleration plan, and fraud.

Future of Greater South-East Net Zero (GSENZ) Hub

The Board noted the current uncertainty regarding the future funding and remit of the Greater South East Net Zero Hub. Officers were authorised to undertake contingency planning for managed closure or restructure, including workforce consultation planning, programme exit planning, communications, financial provision, and legal assurance. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer, Chief Finance Officer, and HR lead, to initiate statutory consultation and associated employment processes if a ministerial decision impacts the staffing structure or requires preparatory action to protect the Combined Authority's position.

Recommendations from the Funding Committee

The Board approved the Outline Business Case and the allocation of £557,000 in revenue funding from the Brownfield Housing Fund. They also approved the Full Business Case and £24,465,000 for the Active Travel Consolidated Settlement 2026-2030. The closure of the subsidiary Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Business Growth Company Limited was approved, with authority delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to sign the relevant documents for the share capital reduction. Officer Decisions for projects under the Single Assurance Framework delegation from Funding Panels held on 2 June, 1 July, and 28 July 2026 were noted.

Recommendations from the Growth Committee

The Board agreed the proposal for the CPCA Area Energy Governance and noted that the Executive Director of Place and Economy would be nominated to attend the Central Regional Energy Strategic Board. They also agreed to a novation requested by Sage Homes Limited to transfer rented units at Wisbech Road, March to Sage Rented Homes Limited, delegating authority to the Director of Place and Economy to enter into the Novation Agreement. The regional destination brand and narrative, developed in partnership with industry and local authority partners, was approved.

Recommendations from the Skills Committee

The Board approved the revised Adult Skills Commissioning Strategy 2025-2028 as the strategic framework for commissioning devolved adult skills funding. The continued use of a blended commissioning model, comprising Grant Funding Agreements and Contracts for Services, was endorsed. The Authority's intention to ordinarily award Contracts for Services for periods of up to three years was approved, and authority was delegated to the Assistant Director Skills & Employment to implement the Commissioning Strategy.

Recommendations from the Transport Committee

The Board approved the definitions of business as usual and strategic activity, and adopted the Decision-Making Process Chart. A spending threshold of £500,000 per annum and a pooling threshold of £2 million were approved, with delegated authority assigned to the Assistant Director Public Transport for BAU activity and to the Executive Director Transport for pooling funds. The Board approved the package of bus service changes for the Fenland, Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire & Cambridge City, East Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough areas, delegating authority to the Assistant Director, Public Transport, to implement these proposals. The re-procurement of the Tiger on Demand services from 11 January 2027 was also approved, comprising two lots: Northern and Southern. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director, Public Transport, to finalise the procurement, award contracts, and make minor amendments. Finally, the draw-down of Transport Capacity Grant to fund work on the transport and connectivity plan was approved.

Update from Business Board

The Board noted the summary of discussions from the Business Board meeting held on 9 September 2026. Shaun Grady, Chair of the Business Board, highlighted key themes including water management, with a presentation on farm reservoirs and the challenges of licensing and environmental studies. The Board also discussed the importance of managing water flows and the need for investment in upgrading facilities. A roundtable with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) focused on challenges faced by businesses in scaling up and accessing funding. The Board agreed to the appointment of an additional member to represent the Defence Sector.

Process for Review and Refresh of the Annual Business Plan, Organisational Delivery Plan, and the Settings of the Medium-Term Financial Plan (2027/28 to 2030/31)

The Board approved the proposals for the review and revision of the Combined Authority's Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) from 2027/28, alongside a review and refresh of the Authority's Annual Business Plan (ABP), Interim Outcomes Framework (IOF), and Organisational Delivery Plan (ODP). The proposed scrutiny approach, including member task and finish working groups, was noted. The timeline for budget setting and ABP refresh was also noted, with the understanding that it may be subject to change based on government announcements. The terms of reference for the budget and annual business planning member task and finish working groups were also noted.

Budget Update Report Q1 - 2026/27

The Board noted the financial performance of the Combined Authority as at 30 June 2026. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to draw down £0.473m from earmarked reserves for additional capacity to support the Authority's response to the government's devolution agenda, with the funding to be drawn down only if required. Authority was also delegated to the Chief Finance Officer to include future capacity funding from the government into the Combined Authority's budget should further grant funding be awarded, and to accept funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies, once confirmed, to support the development of the Authority's data, digital, and AI capacities. Decisions taken via the Single Assurance Framework delegations and Mayoral and Officer decisions since the previous update were noted. The Board also noted budget changes from previous reports and approved changes to budgets arising from audit findings.

Q1 2026/27 Corporate Performance Report

Daniel Buckridge, Performance and Evaluation Manager, presented the Q1 2026/27 Corporate Performance Report. Performance information for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the Interim Outcomes Framework (IOF) was noted, showing positive results for metrics such as bus punctuality and the number of young people supported through the Youth Guaranteed Trailblazer Programme. However, some indicators, including gigabit broadband provision and new home starts and completions, were noted as being behind trajectory. The Board approved the removal of KPI 10 (Number of job vacancies in the region) from the IOF due to a lack of clear interpretation of success, and approved amending KPI 12 (Share of out of work participant starts to achieve a lower or higher threshold job outcome) into two separate KPIs for lower and higher threshold job outcomes.

Corporate Risk Report

Nathan, presenting the Corporate Risk Report, noted that there were 17 risks on the register, with no 'very high' risks. Five risks were rated 'high', seven 'medium', and five 'low'. A new risk concerning the transfer of personal data outside the EU and potential GDPR non-compliance has been added. The 'Fraud occurring in CPCA' risk was reduced from 'high' to 'medium' following an audit and implementation of actions. Additional controls and actions have been added to several risks, including AI, resilience, local growth plan, bus reform, cybersecurity, local remediation acceleration plan, and fraud.

Future of Greater South-East Net Zero (GSENZ) Hub

The Board noted the current uncertainty regarding the future funding and remit of the Greater South East Net Zero Hub. Three scenarios were presented: closure on 31 March 2027, continuation with a reduced remit, or continuation at the current resource level. Officers were authorised to undertake contingency planning for managed closure or restructure, including workforce consultation planning, programme exit planning, communications, financial provision, and legal assurance. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with statutory officers and the HR lead, to initiate statutory consultation and employment processes if a ministerial decision impacts the staffing structure or requires preparatory action to protect the Combined Authority's position.

Recommendations from the Funding Committee

The Board approved the Outline Business Case and the allocation of £557,000 in revenue funding from the Brownfield Housing Fund. They also approved the Full Business Case and £24,465,000 for the Active Travel Consolidated Settlement 2026-2030. Additionally, the closure of the subsidiary Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Business Growth Company Limited was approved, with authority delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to sign the relevant documents for the share capital reduction. Officer Decisions for projects under the Single Assurance Framework delegation from Funding Panels held on 2 June, 1 July, and 28 July 2026 were also noted.

Recommendations from the Growth Committee

The Board agreed the proposal for the CPCA Area Energy Governance and noted that the Executive Director of Place and Economy would be nominated to attend the Central Regional Energy Strategic Board. They also agreed to a novation requested by Sage Homes Limited to transfer rented units at Wisbech Road, March to Sage Rented Homes Limited, delegating authority to the Director of Place and Economy to enter into the Novation Agreement. The regional destination brand and narrative, developed in partnership with industry and local authority partners, was approved.

Recommendations from the Skills Committee

The Board approved the revised Adult Skills Commissioning Strategy 2025-2028 as the strategic framework for commissioning devolved adult skills funding. The continued use of a blended commissioning model, comprising Grant Funding Agreements and Contracts for Services, was endorsed. The Authority's intention to ordinarily award Contracts for Services for periods of up to three years was approved, and authority was delegated to the Assistant Director Skills & Employment to implement the Commissioning Strategy.

Recommendations from the Transport Committee

The Board addressed recommendations from the Transport Committee meeting on 9 September 2026. Approval was given to the definitions of business as usual and strategic activity, and the Decision-Making Process Chart was adopted. A spending threshold of £500,000 per annum and a pooling threshold of £2 million were approved, with delegated authority assigned to the Assistant Director Public Transport for BAU activity and to the Executive Director Transport for pooling funds. The Board approved the package of bus service changes for the Fenland, Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire & Cambridge City, East Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough areas, delegating authority to the Assistant Director, Public Transport, to implement these proposals. The re-procurement of the Tiger on Demand services from 11 January 2027 was also approved, comprising two lots: Northern and Southern. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director, Public Transport, to finalise the procurement, award contracts, and make minor amendments. Finally, the draw-down of Transport Capacity Grant to fund work on the transport and connectivity plan was approved.

Update from Business Board

The Board noted the summary of discussions from the Business Board meeting held on 9 September 2026. Shaun Grady, Chair of the Business Board, highlighted key themes including water management, with a presentation on farm reservoirs and the challenges of licensing and environmental studies. The Board also discussed the importance of managing water flows and the need for investment in upgrading facilities. A roundtable with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) focused on challenges faced by businesses in scaling up and accessing funding. The Board agreed to the appointment of an additional member to represent the Defence Sector.

Process for Review and Refresh of the Annual Business Plan, Organisational Delivery Plan, and the Settings of the Medium-Term Financial Plan (2027/28 to 2030/31)

The Board approved the proposals for the review and revision of the Combined Authority's Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) from 2027/28, alongside a review and refresh of the Authority's Annual Business Plan (ABP), Interim Outcomes Framework (IOF), and Organisational Delivery Plan (ODP). The proposed scrutiny approach, including member task and finish working groups, was noted. The timeline for budget setting and ABP refresh was also noted, with the understanding that it may be subject to change based on government announcements. The terms of reference for the budget and annual business planning member task and finish working groups were also noted.

Budget Update Report Q1 - 2026/27

The Board noted the financial performance of the Combined Authority as at 30 June 2026. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to draw down £0.473m from earmarked reserves for additional capacity to support the Authority's response to the government's devolution agenda, with the funding to be drawn down only if required. Authority was also delegated to the Chief Finance Officer to include future capacity funding from the government into the Combined Authority's budget should further grant funding be awarded, and to accept funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies, once confirmed, to support the development of the Authority's data, digital, and AI capacities. Decisions taken via the Single Assurance Framework delegations and Mayoral and Officer decisions since the previous update were noted. The Board also noted budget changes from previous reports and approved changes to budgets arising from audit findings.

Q1 2026/27 Corporate Performance Report

Daniel Buckridge, Performance and Evaluation Manager, presented the Q1 2026/27 Corporate Performance Report. Performance information for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the Interim Outcomes Framework (IOF) was noted, showing positive results for metrics such as bus punctuality and the number of young people supported through the Youth Guaranteed Trailblazer Programme. However, some indicators, including gigabit broadband provision and new home starts and completions, were noted as being behind trajectory. The Board approved the removal of KPI 10 (Number of job vacancies in the region) from the IOF due to a lack of clear interpretation of success, and approved amending KPI 12 (Share of out of work participant starts to achieve a lower or higher threshold job outcome) into two separate KPIs for lower and higher threshold job outcomes.

Corporate Risk Report

Nathan, presenting the Corporate Risk Report, noted that there were 17 risks on the register, with no 'very high' risks. Five risks were rated 'high', seven 'medium', and five 'low'. A new risk concerning the transfer of personal data outside the EU and potential GDPR non-compliance has been added. The 'Fraud occurring in CPCA' risk was reduced from 'high' to 'medium' following an audit and implementation of actions. Additional controls and actions have been added to several risks, including AI, resilience, local growth plan, bus reform, cybersecurity, local remediation acceleration plan, and fraud.

Future of Greater South-East Net Zero (GSENZ) Hub

The Board noted the current uncertainty regarding the future funding and remit of the Greater South East Net Zero Hub. Three scenarios were presented: closure on 31 March 2027, continuation with a reduced remit, or continuation at the current resource level. Officers were authorised to undertake contingency planning for managed closure or restructure, including workforce consultation planning, programme exit planning, communications, financial provision, and legal assurance. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with statutory officers and the HR lead, to initiate statutory consultation and employment processes if a ministerial decision impacts the staffing structure or requires preparatory action to protect the Combined Authority's position.