The Combined Authority Board of West Yorkshire Combined Authority Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday 24 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes updates on devolution and integrated settlements, the annual review of the West Yorkshire Local Assurance Framework, and performance and financial reports for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.

Devolution, Integrated Settlement & Public Service Reform Update

A significant portion of the meeting is scheduled to focus on updates regarding devolution, the Integrated Settlement, and public service reform. This discussion will cover recent government announcements, including the Cabinet Statement 'Rewiring the State', and the Combined Authority's initial response. The report outlines proposals for supporting local leaders to drive growth and improve public services, providing greater control over local tax revenues, and developing strong local institutions. The Board is expected to note these announcements and endorse proposals for the Chief Executive and officers to collaborate with the government on developing the forthcoming White Paper on devolution. An update on the progress and priorities of the Combined Authority's Integrated Settlement will also be provided, detailing ongoing discussions with the government on outcome targets. The Integrated Settlement, which began in April 2026, consolidates multiple funding streams totalling over £2.2 billion across the 2026/27 to 2029/30 period, offering greater local flexibility in investment across various policy areas.

West Yorkshire Local Assurance Framework (LAF) Annual Review 2026

The Board is scheduled to consider the annual review and refresh of the West Yorkshire Local Assurance Framework (LAF) for 2026. This framework, initially developed in 2015 as part of the Growth Deal with the government, is a crucial document that assures the government of the Combined Authority's processes for managing funding effectively and delivering the West Yorkshire Plan, the Local Growth Plan, and the Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework. The review process has involved consultation with the government, specifically the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), to ensure alignment with the Integrated Settlement. Key revisions to the framework include simplification for accessibility, updated references to reflect the powers of an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority, and the incorporation of a Three Lines of Defence model for assurance. The Board is expected to approve the latest draft of the LAF, with authority delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Mayor, to make any final changes before publication.

Quarter 1 Performance Reporting

An update on the Combined Authority's organisational performance for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year is scheduled for discussion. The report will highlight areas of strong performance alongside emerging delivery risks and challenges, aligning with the five missions set out in the West Yorkshire Plan and an additional mission focused on the organisation's performance. The report details progress against 25 key priorities, with 20 showing strong performance at the end of Quarter One. Notable achievements include reductions in serious violence, significant investment secured for housing delivery, progress in home energy retrofit programmes, and strong engagement with skills and training provision. However, areas identified as below target include the delivery of the Connect to Work programme, bus franchising delivery, transport programme delivery, the Home Energy West Yorkshire Customer Advice Service, and education and careers support, with mitigating actions outlined for each. The report also provides an update on the Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework (ISOF) metrics.

Financial Performance - 2026/27 Quarter 1

The Board will receive an update on the financial performance against the 2026/27 revenue and capital budget projections for the first quarter. The report indicates a projected revenue surplus of £6.5 million for the year, largely due to timing differences in income and expenditure recognition. The capital programme has been rebased to £576.8 million, with a forecast year-end expenditure of £543.4 million, resulting in an anticipated underspend of £33.4 million. This variance is primarily attributed to revised delivery timescales for the Zero Emission Bus programme. The report also provides an update on the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and the emerging financial outlook for 2027/28, outlining key financial risks and challenges. Guiding principles for the development of the MTFS, aimed at ensuring long-term financial sustainability and value for money, are also presented for approval.

Staffing Update Report

A report on staffing matters is scheduled for discussion, with Ben Still, the Chief Executive, listed as the lead director.

Governance Arrangements

The meeting agenda includes a discussion on governance arrangements, with Nikki Deol, Assistant Director Legal, Governance & Compliance, as the lead director. This item is expected to cover appointments to various committees and boards. The Board is asked to note appointments made under officer delegation and to approve the appointment of Councillor Helen Hayden to the Labour vacancy on the Investment Board.

Minutes for Information of Committee Meetings

The Board is scheduled to note minutes and agendas of committee meetings that have been published on the Combined Authority's website since the last meeting. This includes information from the Weaver Network Board and the Investment Board.