Decision details

To enable the Committee to scrutinise the Council's representative on the Combined Authority.

Matter for Decision

The Officer presented a report to the Scrutiny Committee providing an update on the activities of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) Board since the last meeting of the Scrutiny Committee on 27 March 2023.

Decision of the Leader of the Council

To note the update provided by the Council’s representative on the Combined Authority Board, Councillor Anna Smith on the issues considered at the meeting of the Combined Authority Board held on 31 May 2023.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Council’s representative on the Combined Authority Board provided a verbal report.

      i.          There was a new Chief Executive, Rob Bridge.

     ii.          CA (Combined Authority) ran an induction programme for all new and returning Committee Members.

   iii.          At the CA March Board meeting a report was heard from Audit and Governance where the independent chair reported that there was increased confidence in CPCA (Cambridge & Peterborough Combined Authority) and improvements were noted.

   iv.          Had to postpone the vote on the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan. Hoping to discuss at the next board meeting in July.

    v.          The Government had announced further devolution measures, this had been flagged to the Board. Would provide further details when they arose.

The Council’s representative on the Combined Authority Board said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.          The Local Transport and Connectivity Plan vote was deferred at the last Board meeting because there were issues raised by the Leader of Peterborough City Council and it had not been possible to resolve these in advance of the Board meeting.

      ii.          The Local Transport Plan currently in existence would stand until a new local transport plan was passed.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.