English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026

Part 1 — Strategic authorities

The strategic authorities

Strategic authorities

1

• (1) This section sets out the meaning of “strategic authority” and other related expressions for the purposes of this Act.

Strategic authorities 2 “Strategic authority” means— a a single foundation strategic authority, b a combined foundation strategic authority, or c a mayoral strategic authority, including an established mayoral strategic authority.

Foundation strategic authorities 3 “Single foundation strategic authority” means— a a unitary district council, or b a county council, which is designated under section 3. 4 “Combined foundation strategic authority” means— a a non-mayoral combined authority, or b a non-mayoral combined county authority.

Mayoral strategic authorities 5 “Mayoral strategic authority” means— a a mayoral combined authority, b a mayoral combined county authority, or c the GLA.

Established mayoral strategic authorities 6 A mayoral strategic authority is “established” if it is— a a mayoral combined authority which is designated under section 106B of LDEDCA 2009, b a mayoral combined county authority which is designated under section 25A of LURA 2023, or c the GLA.

The areas of competence

Areas of competence

2

For the purposes of this Act, the subjects or subject referred to in each of the following paragraphs is an “area of competence”—

• (a) transport and local infrastructure;

• (b) skills and employment support;

• (c) housing and strategic planning;

• (d) economic development and regeneration;

• (e) the environment and climate change;

• (f) health, well-being and public service reform;

• (g) public safety;

• (h) culture;

• (i) rural affairs and coastal communities.

Single foundation strategic authorities

Single foundation strategic authorities

3

• (1) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, designate a unitary district council or a county council as a single foundation strategic authority.

• (2) The Secretary of State may not designate a council if the council’s area is within, or is, the area of another strategic authority.

• (3) The Secretary of State may not designate a council unless the council consents to the designation.

• (4) Regulations under this section are subject to affirmative resolution procedure.

• (5) In this Act, see Schedule 27 for powers for the Secretary of State to confer functions on single foundation strategic authorities.

Combined authorities and CCAs

Combined authorities and CCAs: establishment, expansion and functions

4

Schedule 1 contains provision amending requirements relating to the establishment and expansion of, and conferral of functions on, combined authorities and CCAs.

Combined authorities and CCAs: functions generally

5

• (1) Before section 18 of LURA 2023 insert—

(17A) A CCA has the functions that are conferred by— (a) this Chapter or any regulations under this Chapter, (b) any regulations under Schedule 27 to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, or (c) any other enactment (whenever passed or made).

• (2) After section 103 of LDEDCA 2009 insert—

(103A) A combined authority has the functions that are conferred by— (a) this Part or any order under this Part, (b) any regulations under Schedule 27 to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, or (c) any other enactment (whenever passed or made).

Combined authorities and CCAs: decision-making and validity of proceedings

6

• (1) LURA 2023 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3).

• (2) After section 13 insert—

(13A) (1) This section applies to any decision of a CCA. (2) A decision of a non-mayoral CCA is to be made by a simple majority of the voting members present and voting on that question at a meeting of the CCA. (3) A decision of a mayoral CCA is to be made by a simple majority of the voting members present and voting on that question at a meeting of the CCA; and such a majority must include the mayor, or the deputy mayor acting in place of the mayor. (4) But if— (a) the office of mayor is vacant, and (b) there is no deputy mayor, the decision is to be made by a simple majority of the voting members present and voting on that question at a meeting of the CCA. (5) On a decision of any CCA— (a) each voting member has one vote; (b) in the case of a tied vote— (i) no person has a casting vote; and (ii) the CCA must be regarded as having disagreed to the question that the decision should be made. (6) Subsections (1) to (5) are subject to provision made in any other enactment (whenever passed or made). (7) That includes regulations under this Chapter or under Schedule 27 to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. (8) In this section “voting member” means— (a) in relation to a decision of a non-mayoral CCA— (i) a person appointed by a constituent council to be a member of the CCA (a “constituent member”) or a person acting as a member of the CCA in the absence of the constituent member, and (ii) a non-constituent member (within the meaning of section 11) who is a voting member in relation to the decision by virtue of a resolution under section 11(4) or a person acting as a member of the CCA in the absence of the non-constituent member; (b) in relation to a decision of a mayoral CCA— (i) a person appointed by a constituent council to be a member of the CCA (a “constituent member”) or a person acting as a member of the CCA in the absence of the constituent member, (ii) a non-constituent member (within the meaning of section 11) who is a voting member in relation to the decision by virtue of a resolution under section 11(4) or a person acting as a member of the CCA in the absence of the non-constituent member, and (iii) the mayor, or the deputy mayor acting in place of the mayor. (13B) (1) The proceedings of a CCA are not invalidated— (a) by any vacancy— (i) among its members or substitute members, or (ii) (in the case of a mayoral CCA) in the office of deputy mayor, or (b) by any defect in the appointment or qualifications of— (i) any member or substitute member, or (ii) (in the case of a mayoral CCA) of the deputy mayor. (2) In this section “substitute member” means a person appointed to act as a member in the absence of another member.

• (3) In section 13 (regulations about members), in subsection (2)(a), after “members of a particular kind” insert “(including provision disapplying or modifying the effect of section 13A)”.

• (4) LDEDCA 2009 is amended in accordance with subsections (5) and (6).

• (5) After section 104C insert—

(104CA) (1) This section applies to any decision of a combined authority. (2) A decision of a non-mayoral combined authority is to be made by a simple majority of the voting members present and voting on that question at a meeting of the combined authority. (3) A decision of a mayoral combined authority is to be made by a simple majority of the voting members present and voting on that question at a meeting of the combined authority; and such a majority must include the mayor, or the deputy mayor acting in place of the mayor. (4) But if— (a) the office of mayor is vacant, and (b) there is no deputy mayor, the decision is to be made by a simple majority of the other voting members present and voting on that question at a meeting of the combined authority. (5) On a decision of any combined authority— (a) each voting member has one vote; (b) in the case of a tied vote— (i) no person has a casting vote; and (ii) the combined authority must be regarded as having disagreed to the question that the decision should be made. (6) Subsections (1) to (5) are subject to provision made in any other enactment (whenever passed or made). (7) That includes an order under this Part or regulations under Schedule 27 to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. (8) In this section “voting member” means— (a) in relation to a decision of a non-mayoral combined authority— (i) a person appointed by a constituent council to be a member of the combined authority (a “constituent member”) or a person acting as a member of the combined authority in the absence of the constituent member, and (ii) a non-constituent member (within the meaning of section 104A) who is a voting member in relation to the decision by virtue of a resolution under section 104A(4) or a person acting as a member of the combined authority in the absence of the non-constituent member; (b) in relation to a decision of a mayoral combined authority— (i) a person appointed by a constituent council to be a member of the combined authority (a “constituent member”) or a person acting as a member of the combined authority in the absence of the constituent member, (ii) a non-constituent member (within the meaning of section 104A) who is a voting member in relation to the decision by virtue of a resolution under section 104A(4) or a person acting as a member of the combined authority in the absence of the non-constituent member, and (iii) the mayor, or the deputy mayor acting in place of the mayor. (104CB) (1) The proceedings of a combined authority are not invalidated— (a) by any vacancy— (i) among its members or substitute members, or (ii) (in the case of a mayoral combined authority) in the office of deputy mayor, or (b) by any defect in the appointment or qualifications of— (i) any member or substitute member, or (ii) (in the case of a mayoral combined authority) of the deputy mayor. (2) In this section “substitute member” means a person appointed to act as a member in the absence of another member.

• (6) In section 104C (regulations about members), in subsection (2)(a), after “members of a particular kind” insert “(including provision disapplying or modifying the effect of section 104CA)”.

• (7) Schedule 2 makes further provision about decision-making and exercise of functions.

Combined authorities and CCAs: powers not limited by other provision or powers

7

• (1) In LURA 2023, after section 24B (inserted by section 43(2) of this Act) insert—

(24C) (1) This section applies to a power under this Chapter to make subordinate legislation (the “SI-making power”) and a CCA if conditions A and B are met. (2) Condition A: the SI-making power confers power to make provision about a particular function or other matter (the “relevant function or matter”) in relation to the CCA. (3) Condition B: provision about the relevant function or matter which relates to the CCA— (a) is made by an enactment (whenever passed or made) that is not subordinate legislation made under this Chapter (the “separate provision”), or (b) could be made under a power conferred by an enactment that is not contained in this Chapter (the “separate power”), (whether or not that provision also relates to any other CCAs). (4) The separate provision or separate power does not limit the subordinate legislation that may be made under the SI-making power in relation to the CCA. (5) In particular, the separate provision or separate power does not prevent subordinate legislation under the SI-making power from— (a) making provision about the relevant function or matter in relation to the CCA which is to apply instead of the separate provision; (b) making modifications or other contrary provision to which the separate provision is to be subject in its application in relation to the CCA. (6) Subsection (4) applies to provision made under the SI-making power before or after the coming into force of this section.

• (2) In LDEDCA 2009, after section 104CB (inserted by section 6 of this Act) insert—

(104CC) (1) This section applies to a power under this Part to make subordinate legislation (the “SI-making power”) and a combined authority if conditions A and B are met. (2) Condition A: the SI-making power confers power to make provision about a particular function or other matter (the “relevant function or matter”) in relation to the combined authority, and (3) Condition B: provision about the relevant function or matter which relates to the combined authority— (a) is made by an enactment (whenever passed or made) that is not subordinate legislation made under this Part (the “separate provision”), or (b) could be made under a power conferred by an enactment that is not contained in this Part (the “separate power”), (whether or not that provision also relates to any other combined authority). (4) The separate provision or separate power does not limit the subordinate legislation that may be made under the SI-making power in relation to the combined authority. (5) In particular, the separate provision or separate power does not prevent subordinate legislation under the SI-making power from— (a) making provision about the relevant function or matter in relation to the combined authority which is to apply instead of the separate provision; (b) making modifications or other contrary provision to which the separate provision is to be subject in its application in relation to the combined authority. (6) Subsection (4) applies to provision made under the SI-making power before or after the coming into force of this section.

Combined authorities and CCAs: designation as established mayoral strategic authorities

8

• (1) After section 25 of LURA 2023 insert—

(25A) (1) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, designate a mayoral CCA as an established mayoral strategic authority. (2) The Secretary of State may not designate a mayoral CCA unless the mayoral CCA has submitted to the Secretary of State a written proposal to be designated (the “designation proposal”). (3) The designation proposal must identify— (a) any provision— (i) that applies in relation to the mayoral CCA, (ii) that would not be of general application to the mayoral CCA if designated, and (iii) which the mayoral CCA would like to continue to apply in relation to it if designated; (b) any provision— (i) that does not apply in relation to the mayoral CCA, (ii) that would not be of general application to the mayoral CCA, if designated, and (iii) which the mayoral CCA would like the Secretary of State to make (using a power conferred by this Chapter or otherwise) so as to apply in relation to it, if designated. (4) If the Secretary of State decides not to designate the mayoral CCA, the Secretary of State must notify the authority in writing of the reasons for the decision. (5) If the Secretary of State decides not to designate the mayoral CCA, that mayoral CCA may not be designated unless another written proposal to be designated is submitted in accordance with this section. (6) A Minister of the Crown must not exercise any power to make subordinate legislation (whenever conferred) so as to cause a mayoral CCA to cease to be an established mayoral strategic authority. (7) That does not limit the making of provision that is— (a) in consequence of, or (b) otherwise in connection with, the abolition or merger of an established mayoral strategic authority (whether the abolition or merger is provided for in secondary legislation or an Act of Parliament). (8) For the purposes of this section provision would be “of general application to a mayoral CCA if designated” if the provision is contained in an enactment and applies in relation to— (a) all established mayoral strategic authorities, or (b) a class of established mayoral strategic authorities which would include the mayoral CCA if designated.

• (2) LDEDCA 2009 is amended in accordance with subsections (3) and (4).

• (3) Before section 106 insert—

• (4) After section 106A insert—

(106B) (1) The Secretary of State may, by order, designate a mayoral combined authority as an established mayoral strategic authority. (2) The Secretary of State may not designate a mayoral combined authority unless the mayoral combined authority has submitted to the Secretary of State a written proposal to be designated (the “designation proposal”). (3) The designation proposal must identify— (a) any provision— (i) that applies in relation to the mayoral combined authority, (ii) that would not be of general application to the mayoral combined authority if designated, and (iii) which the mayoral combined authority would like to continue to apply in relation to it if designated; (b) any provision— (i) that does not apply in relation to the mayoral combined authority, (ii) that would not be of general application to the mayoral combined authority, if designated, and (iii) which the mayoral combined authority would like the Secretary of State to make (using a power conferred by this Part or otherwise) so as to apply in relation to it, if designated. (4) If the Secretary of State decides not to designate the mayoral combined authority, the Secretary of State must notify the authority in writing of the reasons for the decision. (5) If the Secretary of State decides not to designate the mayoral combined authority, that mayoral combined authority may not be designated unless another written proposal to be designated is submitted in accordance with this section. (6) A Minister of the Crown must not exercise any power to make subordinate legislation (whenever conferred) so as to cause a mayoral combined authority to cease to be an established mayoral strategic authority. (7) That does not limit the making of provision that is— (a) in consequence of, or (b) otherwise in connection with, the abolition or merger of an established mayoral strategic authority (whether the abolition or merger is provided for in secondary legislation or an Act of Parliament). (8) For the purposes of this section provision would be “of general application to a mayoral combined authority if designated” if the provision is contained in an enactment and applies in relation to— (a) all established mayoral strategic authorities, or (b) a class of established mayoral strategic authorities which would include the mayoral combined authority if designated.

Appointment of commissioners by mayors

9

• (1) After section 29 of LURA 2023 insert—

(29A) (1) The mayor for the area of a CCA may appoint not more than 10 persons— (a) to assist the mayor in the exercise of the mayor’s general functions in relation to the areas of competence, and (b) to otherwise assist the mayor in relation to the exercise by the CCA of functions which relate to the areas of competence. (2) A person appointed under this section is referred to in this Chapter as a “commissioner”. (3) Schedule 2A makes provision about commissioners. (4) In this section and Schedule 2A “area of competence” has the meaning given by section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.

• (2) In section 30(3) of LURA 2023 (delegation of functions by the mayor), after paragraph (b) insert—

(ba) for a commissioner appointed under section 29A to exercise any such function, or

• (3) In Schedule 1 to LURA 2023 (overview and scrutiny committees etc), in paragraph 1 (functions of overview and scrutiny committees), after sub-paragraph (4) insert—

(4A) Paragraph 9 of Schedule 2A makes provision about particular functions of overview and scrutiny committees in relation to commissioners appointed under section 29A.

• (4) After section 107C of LDEDCA 2009 insert—

(107CA) (1) The mayor for the area of a combined authority may appoint not more than 10 persons— (a) to assist the mayor in the exercise of the mayor’s general functions in relation to the areas of competence, and (b) to otherwise assist the mayor in relation to the exercise by the combined authority of functions which relate to the areas of competence. (2) A person appointed under this section is referred to in this Part as a “commissioner”. (3) Schedule 5BA makes provision about commissioners. (4) In this section and Schedule 5BA “area of competence” has the meaning given by section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.

• (5) In section 107D(3) of LDEDCA 2009 (delegation of functions by the mayor), after paragraph (b) insert—

(ba) for a commissioner appointed under section 107CA to exercise any such function, or

• (6) In Schedule 5A to LDEDCA 2009 (overview and scrutiny committees etc), in paragraph 1 (functions of overview and scrutiny committees), after sub-paragraph (4) insert—

(4A) Paragraph 9 of Schedule 5BA makes provision about particular functions of overview and scrutiny committees in relation to commissioners appointed under section 107CA.

• (7) Schedule 3 inserts the new Schedule 2A into LURA 2023 and the new Schedule 5BA into LDEDCA 2009.

Combined authorities and CCAs: allowances for members with special responsibilities

10

• (1) LURA 2023 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3).

• (2) After section 52 insert—

(52A) (1) A CCA may— (a) make a scheme providing for the payment of allowances to members of the CCA who have special responsibilities, and (b) pay allowances in accordance with the scheme. (2) A CCA may only make a scheme if— (a) the CCA has considered a report published by a relevant remuneration panel which contains recommendations for the allowances provided for in the scheme, and (b) the allowances payable under the scheme do not exceed the amounts specified in the recommendations made by the relevant remuneration panel. (3) A CCA which has made a scheme under this section must produce and publish reports on the allowances paid under the scheme (including their amounts). (4) In exercising the powers conferred by this section, or complying with the duty to produce and publish reports, a CCA must take account of any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State. (5) In deciding the terms of a report produced for the purposes of this section, a relevant remuneration panel must take account of any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State. (6) If a member of a CCA is entitled to be paid— (a) an allowance under this section, and (b) an allowance or other payment by a constituent council, in respect of the same special responsibilities, the amount payable under this section is to be reduced by the amount payable by the constituent council (and the amount payable under this section is to be reduced to nil if it is smaller than the amount payable by the constituent council). (7) Regulations under section 10(1) (about the constitutional arrangements of a CCA) may not prevent or otherwise affect the exercise of the power to pay an allowance under this section; but this section does not otherwise limit the power conferred by section 10(1). (8) In this section— - “relevant remuneration panel”, means a panel that is specified, or of a description specified, in regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section; - “special responsibilities”, in relation to a member of CCA, means any responsibilities which the member has in addition to the general responsibilities of being a member of the CCA.

• (3) In section 252 (regulations)—

• (a) in subsection (2), for “(c)” substitute “(ca)”;

• (b) in subsection (5)(a), for “(c)” substitute “(ca)”;

• (c) in subsection (8), after paragraph (c) insert—

(ca) under section 52A;

• (4) After section 113D of LDEDCA 2009 insert—

(113E) (1) A combined authority may— (a) make a scheme providing for the payment of allowances to members of the combined authority who have special responsibilities, and (b) pay allowances in accordance with the scheme. (2) A combined authority may only make a scheme if— (a) the combined authority has considered a report published by a relevant remuneration panel which contains recommendations for the allowances provided for in the scheme, and (b) the allowances payable under the scheme do not exceed the amounts specified in the recommendations made by the relevant remuneration panel. (3) A combined authority which has made a scheme under this section must produce and publish reports on the allowances paid under the scheme (including their amounts). (4) In exercising the powers conferred by this section, or complying with the duty to produce and publish reports, a combined authority must take account of any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State. (5) In deciding the terms of a report produced for the purposes of this section, a relevant remuneration panel must take account of any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State. (6) If a member of a combined authority is entitled to be paid— (a) an allowance under this section, and (b) an allowance or other payment by a constituent council, in respect of the same special responsibilities, the amount payable under this section is to be reduced by the amount payable by the constituent council (and the amount payable under this section is to be reduced to nil if it is smaller than the amount payable by the constituent council). (7) An order under section 104(1)(a) (about the constitutional arrangements of a combined authority) may not prevent or otherwise affect the exercise of the power to pay an allowance under this section; but this section does not otherwise limit the power conferred by section 104(1)(a). (8) In this section— - “relevant remuneration panel” means a panel that is specified, or of a description specified, in an order made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section; - “special responsibilities” in relation to a member of combined authority, means any responsibilities which the member has in addition to the general responsibilities of being a member of the combined authority.

Mayoral combined authorities and CCAs: overview and scrutiny committees

11

• (1) Schedule 4 changes the system of overview and scrutiny committees for mayoral CCAs.

• (2) Schedule 5 changes the system of overview and scrutiny committees for mayoral combined authorities.

Mayoral combined authorities and CCAs: precepts

12

• (1) In section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (issue of precepts by major precepting authorities)—

• (a) omit subsection (11)(a);

• (b) in subsection (11)(b), for “that section” substitute “section 107G of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009”;

• (c) omit subsection (12)(a);

• (d) in subsection (12)(b), for “that section” substitute “section 41 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023”.

• (2) In section 107G of LDEDCA 2009 (mayors for combined authority areas: financial matters)—

• (a) omit subsection (1);

• (b) in subsection (2), omit “in respect of mayoral functions”;

• (c) in subsection (4)(a), for the words from “consists” to the end of that paragraph substitute “includes a separate component in respect of the mayor’s PCC functions,”;

• (d) in subsection (5)(b), after “functions,” insert “or the other functions of the authority (other than any PCC functions that are exercisable by the mayor), or both”.

• (3) In section 41 of LURA 2023 (mayors for CCA areas: financial matters)—

• (a) omit subsection (1);

• (b) in subsection (2), omit “in respect of mayoral functions”;

• (c) in subsection (4)(a), for the words from “consists” to the end of that paragraph substitute “includes a separate component in respect of the mayor’s PCC functions,”;

• (d) in subsection (5)(b), after “functions,” insert “or the other functions of the CCA (other than any PCC functions that are exercisable by the mayor), or both”.

Power to borrow

13

• (1) Section 23 of the Local Government Act 2003 (meaning of “local authority” and application of provisions to combined authorities and CCAs) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (6).

• (2) In subsection (5), for “except that section 1 confers power on such a combined authority” substitute

except that— (a) the power conferred by section 1 on a mayoral combined authority is subject to the requirements in subsection (9A) to obtain consent from the Secretary of State, and (b) section 1 confers power on a non-mayoral combined authority

• (3) In subsection (8), for “The reference in subsection (5)” substitute “A reference in subsection (5) or (9A)”.

• (4) In subsection (8A), for “except that section 1 confers power on a CCA” substitute

except that— (a) the power conferred by section 1 on a mayoral CCA is subject to the requirements in subsection (9A) to obtain consent from the Secretary of State, and (b) section 1 confers power on a non-mayoral CCA

• (5) In subsection (8C), for “The reference in subsection (8A)” insert “A reference in subsection (8A) or (9A)”.

• (6) After subsection (9) insert—

(9A) These are the requirements to obtain consent from the Secretary of State which apply to the exercise of the power conferred by section 1 on a mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA— (a) if the combined authority or CCA had the power to borrow under section 1 before the applicable commencement day, it does not need to obtain consent from the Secretary of State before any exercise of the power to borrow; (b) if the combined authority or CCA did not have the power to borrow under section 1 before the applicable commencement day— (i) it does not need to obtain consent from the Secretary of State before any exercise of the power to borrow money for a purpose relevant to its transport, police or fire and rescue functions; (ii) it must obtain consent from the Secretary of State before the first exercise of the power to borrow money for a purpose relevant to a function other than its transport, police or fire and rescue functions; (iii) once it has obtained consent in accordance with sub-paragraph (ii) (in relation to any kind of function), it does not need to obtain any further consent under that sub-paragraph (whether in relation to the same kind, or a different kind, of function). (9B) In this section— - “applicable commencement day” means the day on which section 13 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 comes into force; - “non-mayoral CCA” means a CCA other than a mayoral CCA; - “non-mayoral combined authority” means a combined authority other than a mayoral combined authority; - “transport, police or fire and rescue functions”, in relation to a mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA, means— transport functions of the combined authority or CCA, functions of a police and crime commissioner exercisable by the mayor for the area of the combined authority or CCA, and functions of a fire and rescue authority exercisable by the mayor for the area of the combined authority or CCA.

• (7) The coming into force of this section does not affect the validity of—

• (a) any borrowing undertaken by a combined authority or CCA under Part 1 of the Local Government Act 2003 before this section came into force, or

• (b) anything else done by a combined authority or CCA, or any other person, before this section came into force—

• (i) under or for the purposes of Part 1 of the Local Government Act 2003, or

• (ii) in relation to borrowing by a combined authority or CCA under Part 1 of the Local Government Act 2003.

Levies

14

• (1) Section 74 of LGFA 1988 (levies) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (9).

• (2) For subsections (8) and (10) substitute—

(8) A combined authority established under section 103 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 is to be treated as a levying body for the purposes of this section. (8A) A combined authority has (by virtue of this subsection) power to issue to its constituent councils a levy under this section in respect of any chargeable financial year to meet relevant transport costs in relation to that year which are not otherwise met (for example by the issuing of a precept). (8B) That power is to be exercised in accordance with regulations made under subsection (2). (8C) Regulations under subsection (2) may be made conferring on a combined authority power to issue to its constituent councils and in accordance with the regulations a levy under this section in respect of any chargeable financial year, but only to meet costs that are not relevant transport costs.

• (3) In subsection (11), for “subsection (8) that include provision within subsection (10)(b)” substitute “subsection (8B) or (8C)”.

• (4) In subsection (13), for “subsection (8)” substitute “subsection (8B) or (8C)”.

• (5) In subsection (14)—

• (a) in the words before the definition of “constituent council”, after “(13)” insert “and this subsection”;

• (b) after the definition of “mayoral functions” insert—

• “relevant transport costs” means costs that are reasonably attributable to the exercise of a combined authority’s functions, excluding mayoral functions, relating to transport.

• (6) For subsection (15) substitute—

(15) A combined county authority established under section 9(1) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 is to be treated as a levying body for the purposes of this section. (15A) A combined county authority has (by virtue of this subsection) power to issue to its constituent councils a levy under this section in respect of any chargeable financial year to meet relevant transport costs in relation to that year which are not otherwise met (for example by the issuing of a precept). (15B) That power is to be exercised in accordance with regulations made under subsection (2). (15C) Regulations under subsection (2) may be made conferring on a combined county authority power to issue to its constituent councils and in accordance with the regulations a levy under this section in respect of any chargeable financial year, but only to meet costs that are not relevant transport costs.

• (7) In subsection (16), for “subsection (15)” substitute “subsection (15B) or (15C)”.

• (8) In subsection (17), for “of subsection (15)” substitute “subsection (15B) or (15C)”.

• (9) In subsection (18)—

• (a) in the words before the definition of “constituent council”, after “(17)” insert “and this subsection”;

• (b) after the definition of “mayoral functions” insert—

• “relevant transport costs” means costs that are reasonably attributable to the exercise of a combined county authority’s functions, excluding mayoral functions, relating to transport.

• (10) In consequence of those amendments—

• (a) in section 143 of LGFA 1988 (orders and regulations)—

• (i) in subsection (4B), for “subsection (8)” substitute “subsection (8B) or (8C)”;

• (ii) in subsection (4C), for “subsection (15)” substitute “subsection (15B) or (15C)”;

• (b) in section 106A of LDEDCA 2009 (consent requirements under other powers), in subsection (5)(b), for “subsection (8)” substitute “subsection (8B) or (8C)”.

Combined authorities and CCAs: minor amendments

15

• (1) In section 57 of LURA 2023 (interpretation)—

• (a) after the definition of “economic prosperity board” insert—

• “established mayoral strategic authority” means a mayoral CCA designated by the Secretary of State under section 25A;

• (b) after the definition of “non-constituent member” insert—

• “non-mayoral CCA” means a CCA that is not a mayoral CCA;

• (2) Part 6 of LDEDCA 2009 is amended as follows—

• (a) before the italic heading before section 88 insert—

• (b) before the italic heading before section 103 insert—

• (c) before the italic heading before section 113A insert—

• (3) In section 120 of LDEDCA 2009 (interpretation)—

• (a) after the definition of “deputy mayor” insert—

• “established mayoral strategic authority” means a mayoral combined authority designated by the Secretary of State under section 106B;

• (b) after the definition of “non-constituent member” insert—

• “non-mayoral combined authority” means a combined authority that is not a mayoral combined authority;

The Greater London Authority

Additional functions of the GLA

16

After section 40 of the GLAA 1999 insert—

(40A) Schedule 27 to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 contains powers for the Secretary of State to confer further additional functions on the Authority, the Mayor and the functional bodies.

Mayors

Members of legislatures disqualified for being a mayor of a strategic authority

17

• (1) In Schedule 5B to LDEDCA 2009 (mayors for combined authority areas: further provision about elections), after paragraph 9A insert—

(9B) (1) A person is disqualified for holding office as the mayor for the area of a combined authority if the person is an elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom. (2) If a person— (a) is elected as the mayor for the area of a combined authority, and (b) is, on the first day of the mayoral term, an elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom, the person is not disqualified under this paragraph for holding office as the mayor at any time in the period of eight days beginning with the first day of the mayoral term. (3) If a person— (a) becomes an elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom, and (b) is, when the person becomes the elected member, the mayor for the area of a combined authority, the person is not disqualified under this paragraph for holding office as the mayor at any time in the period of eight days beginning with the day on which the person becomes the elected member of the legislature. (4) In this paragraph— - “elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom” means a member of— the House of Commons; the Scottish Parliament; Senedd Cymru; the Northern Ireland Assembly; - “first day of the mayoral term”, in relation to a person who is elected as the mayor for the area of a combined authority, means the day that would be the first day of the person’s term as the mayor if it is assumed that the person is not disqualified under this paragraph.

• (2) In Schedule 5C to that Act (mayors for combined authority areas: PCC functions), in paragraph 9 (disqualification)—

• (a) in sub-paragraph (1), for “sections 64 to 68” substitute “sections 64 to 66 and section 68”;

• (b) in sub-paragraph (2), for “and 9A” substitute “, 9A and 9B”.

• (3) In Schedule 2 to LURA 2023 (mayors for combined county authority areas: further provisions about elections), after paragraph 9 insert—

(9A) (1) A person is disqualified for holding office as the mayor for the area of a CCA if the person is an elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom. (2) If a person— (a) is elected as the mayor for the area of a CCA, and (b) is, on the first day of the mayoral term, an elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom, the person is not disqualified under this paragraph for holding office as the mayor at any time in the period of eight days beginning with the first day of the mayoral term. (3) If a person— (a) becomes an elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom, and (b) is, when the person becomes the elected member, the mayor for the area of a CCA, the person is not disqualified under this paragraph for holding office as the mayor at any time in the period of eight days beginning with the day on which the person becomes the elected member of the legislature. (4) In this paragraph— - “elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom” means a member of— the House of Commons; the Scottish Parliament; Senedd Cymru; the Northern Ireland Assembly; - “first day of the mayoral term”, in relation to a person who is elected as the mayor for the area of a CCA, means the day that would be the first day of the person’s term as the mayor if it is assumed that the person is not disqualified under this paragraph.

• (4) In Schedule 3 to that Act (mayors for combined county authority areas: PCC functions), in paragraph 10 (disqualification)—

• (a) in sub-paragraph (1), for “sections 64 to 68” substitute “sections 64 to 66 and section 68”;

• (b) in sub-paragraph (2), for “and 9” substitute “, 9 and 9A”.

• (5) In the GLAA 1999, after section 21A insert—

(21B) (1) A person is disqualified from being the Mayor if the person is an elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom. (2) If a person— (a) is elected as the Mayor, and (b) is, on the first day of the Mayoral term, an elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom, the person is not disqualified under this section from being the Mayor at any time in the period of eight days beginning with the first day of the Mayoral term. (3) If a person— (a) becomes an elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom, and (b) is, when the person becomes the elected member, the Mayor, the person is not disqualified under this section from being the Mayor at any time in the period of eight days beginning with the day on which the person becomes the elected member of the legislature. (4) In this section— - “elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom” means a member of— the House of Commons; the Scottish Parliament; Senedd Cymru; the Northern Ireland Assembly; - “first day of the Mayoral term”, in relation to a person who is elected as the Mayor, means the day that would be the first day of the person’s term as the Mayor if it is assumed that the person is not disqualified under this section.

Functions of mayors of combined authorities or CCAs

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• (1) In section 30 of LURA 2023 (functions of mayors: general), after subsection (1) insert—

(1A) Any mayoral function is to be taken to be a function of the CCA that is exercisable only by the mayor acting on behalf of the CCA. (1B) The members and officers of a mayoral CCA may assist the mayor in the exercise of any mayoral function (and here “members” means the members of the constituent councils who are appointed to be members of the CCA). (1C) For the purposes of this section a “mayoral function” is— (a) a function which is conferred by an enactment on the mayor for the area of the CCA, or (b) a function which is conferred on the CCA by an enactment if an enactment provides for the function to be exercisable only by the mayor for the area of the CCA.

• (2) In section 107D of LDEDCA 2009 (functions of mayors: general), after subsection (1) insert—

(1A) Any mayoral function is to be taken to be a function of the combined authority that is exercisable only by the mayor acting on behalf of the combined authority. (1B) The members and officers of a mayoral combined authority may assist the mayor in the exercise of any mayoral function (and here “members” means the members of the constituent councils who are appointed to be members of the combined authority). (1C) For the purposes of this section a “mayoral function” is— (a) a function which is conferred by an enactment on the mayor for the area of the combined authority, or (b) a function which is conferred on the combined authority by an enactment if an enactment provides for the function to be exercisable only by the mayor for the area of the combined authority.

The “general functions” of mayors

19

• (1) Section 30 of LURA 2023 (functions of mayors: general) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3).

• (2) In subsection (2), after “exercisable by the mayor” insert “(whether by virtue of regulations under subsection (1) or otherwise)”.

• (3) In subsection (8), for “by virtue of this Act” substitute “(whether by virtue of this Act or otherwise)”.

• (4) Section 107D of LDEDCA 2009 (functions of mayors: general) is amended in accordance with subsections (5) and (6).

• (5) In subsection (2), after “exercisable by the mayor” insert “(whether by virtue of an order under subsection (1) or otherwise)”.

• (6) In subsection (6), for “by virtue of this Act” substitute “(whether by virtue of this Act or otherwise)”.

Annual report on devolution

Report under section 1 of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016

20

For section 1 of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016 (devolution: annual report) substitute—

(1) (1) The Secretary of State must lay before each House of Parliament an annual report about devolution for all areas within England pursuant to the provisions of— (a) this Act, (b) Part 6 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, (c) Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, (d) Parts 1 and 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, and (e) any other enactment. (2) The annual report must include information on— (a) the areas of the country where strategic authorities have been established, (b) the areas of the country where proposals have been received by the Secretary of State for establishment of a strategic authority and negotiations have taken place but agreement has not yet been reached, (c) strategic authorities which have moved from one category of strategic authorities to another category, (d) additional functions which have been conferred on strategic authorities within each category of strategic authorities or on particular strategic authorities, and (e) additional financial resources which have been devolved on strategic authorities within each category of strategic authorities or on particular strategic authorities. (3) The annual report must be laid before each House of Parliament as soon as practicable after 31 March each year. (4) In this section “strategic authority” and “category of strategic authorities” have the same meanings as in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (see section 101(1) of that Act).

Part 2 — Functions of strategic authorities and mayors

Mayoral powers of competence

Extension of general power of competence to strategic authorities

21

Schedule 6 amends the Localism Act 2011 to extend the general power of competence to combined authorities and CCAs and their mayors.

Power of mayors to convene meetings with local partners

22

• (1) After section 17A of LURA 2023 (inserted by section 5 of this Act) insert—

(17B) (1) The mayor for the area of a CCA may convene meetings with local partners to consider relevant local matters. (2) In exercising the function of convening meetings, a mayor must have regard to any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State. (3) If a mayor notifies a local partner that the mayor intends to convene a meeting under this section with that local partner, the local partner must respond to the notification. (4) In responding to a notification given by a mayor, a local partner must have regard to any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State. (5) In this section— - “local partner” means a person specified, or of a description specified, in regulations made by the Secretary of State; - “relevant local matter”, in relation to the mayor for the area of a CCA, means a matter which relates both to— the area of the CCA, and any aspect of any area of competence set out in section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.

• (2) In section 252 of LURA 2023 (regulations)—

• (a) in subsection (5)(a), after “subsection” insert “(8)(aa) or”;

• (b) in subsection (8), before paragraph (a) insert—

(aa) under section 17B(5);

• (3) After section 103A of LDEDCA 2009 (inserted by section 5 of this Act) insert—

(103B) (1) The mayor for the area of a combined authority may convene meetings with local partners to consider relevant local matters. (2) In exercising the function of convening meetings, a mayor must have regard to any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State. (3) If a mayor notifies a local partner that the mayor intends to convene a meeting under this section with that local partner, the local partner must respond to the notification. (4) In responding to a notification given by a mayor, a local partner must have regard to any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State. (5) In this section— - “local partner” means a person specified, or of a description specified, in regulations made by the Secretary of State; - “relevant local matter”, in relation to the mayor for the area of a combined authority, means a matter which relates both to— the area of the combined authority, and any aspect of any area of competence set out in section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.

• (4) In section 117 of LDEDCA 2009 (orders and regulations), in subsection (3)(a), after “order” insert “or regulations”.

• (5) After section 40A of GLAA 1999 (inserted by section 16 of this Act) insert—

(40B) (1) The Mayor may convene meetings with local partners to consider relevant local matters. (2) In exercising the function of convening meetings, the Mayor must have regard to any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State. (3) If the Mayor notifies a local partner that the Mayor intends to convene a meeting under this section with that local partner, the local partner must respond to the notification. (4) In responding to a notification given by the Mayor, a local partner must have regard to any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State. (5) In this section— - “local partner” means a person specified, or of a description specified, in regulations made by the Secretary of State; - “relevant local matter”, in relation to the Mayor of London, means a matter which relates both to— Greater London, and any aspect of any area of competence set out in section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.

• (6) In section 420 of GLAA 1999 (regulations and orders), in subsection (7), in the appropriate place, insert “section 40B;”.

Duty of mayors to collaborate

23

• (1) After section 17B of LURA 2023 (inserted by section 22 of this Act) insert—

(17C) (1) The mayor for the area of a CCA (“mayor A”) may make a request to another elected mayor (“mayor B”) for the mayors to collaborate in relation to a matter relating to any aspect of any area of competence. (2) A collaboration request must specify— (a) the matter on which mayor A wants the mayors to collaborate, and (b) the way in which mayor A wants the mayors to collaborate. (3) Mayor A may make a collaboration request only if mayor A considers that the requested collaboration would be likely to improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of— (a) some or all of the people who live or work in mayor A’s area, or (b) some or all of the people who live or work in mayor A’s area and some or all of the people who live or work in mayor B’s area. (4) Mayor A may make a collaboration request only if mayor A’s area adjoins mayor B’s area. (5) A collaboration request must be in writing. (6) Mayor A must publish, in such manner as the mayor thinks appropriate, any collaboration request which the mayor makes. (7) The mayors for the areas of CCAs must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State in exercising powers, and complying with duties, under this section. (8) Section 17E makes provision about collaboration requests made by, or to, two or more elected mayors. (9) In this section, section 17D and section 17E— - “area of competence” has the same meaning as in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (see section 2 of that Act); - “collaboration request” means a request made under subsection (1); - “elected mayor” means— the mayor for the area of a CCA, the mayor for the area of a combined authority, or the Mayor of London; - “mayor A” has the meaning given in subsection (1); - “mayor A’s area” means the area for which mayor A is the mayor; - “mayor B” has the meaning given in subsection (1); - “mayor B’s area” means the area for which mayor B is the mayor. (17D) (1) In a case where a collaboration request is made to mayor B, the mayor must— (a) consider the collaboration request and decide how to respond, (b) set out the response in writing, (c) give the response to mayor A, and (d) publish, in such manner as the mayor thinks appropriate, the response. (2) In considering the collaboration request and deciding how to respond, mayor B must have regard to the economic, social and environmental well-being of some or all of the people who live or work in mayor B’s area. (3) If mayor B decides not to agree to the collaboration request, or any part of it, mayor B must— (a) give the reasons for that decision, and (b) include the reasons in the response to mayor A. (4) Mayors to whom collaboration requests are made must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State in exercising the powers, and complying with the duties, under this section. (17E) (1) Two or more elected mayors (the “requesting mayors”) may make a collaboration request to a single elected mayor (the “potential collaborating mayor”) if— (a) at least one of the requesting mayors is the mayor for the area of a CCA, and (b) each requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test. (2) For that purpose, a requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test if that area— (a) adjoins every other requesting mayor’s area, and (b) adjoins the potential collaborating mayor’s area. (3) If two or more elected mayors make a collaboration request to a single elected mayor— (a) sections 17C and 17D apply in relation to each of the requesting mayors separately, and (b) accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to a particular requesting mayor, “mayor A” means that mayor. (4) A single mayor for the area of a CCA (the “requesting mayor”) may make a collaboration request to two or more elected mayors (the “potential collaborating mayors”) if each potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour test. (5) For that purpose, a potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour test if that area adjoins the requesting mayor’s area. (6) If a single mayor for the area of a CCA makes a collaboration request to two or more elected mayors— (a) sections 17C and 17D apply in relation to each of the potential collaborating mayors separately, and (b) accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to a particular potential collaborating mayor, “mayor B” means that mayor. (7) Two or more elected mayors (the “requesting mayors”) may make a collaboration request to two or more elected mayors (the “potential collaborating mayors”) if— (a) at least one of the requesting mayors is the mayor for the area of a CCA, (b) each requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test, and (c) each potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour test. (8) For the purposes of subsection (7), a requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test if that area— (a) adjoins every other requesting mayor’s area, and (b) adjoins every potential collaborating mayor’s area. (9) For the purposes of subsection (7), a potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour test if that area adjoins every requesting mayor’s area. (10) If two or more elected mayors make a collaboration request to two or more elected mayors— (a) sections 17C and 17D apply in relation to each of the requesting mayors separately, and (b) accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to a particular requesting mayor, “mayor A” means that mayor; (c) sections 17C and 17D apply in relation to each of the potential collaborating mayors separately, and (d) accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to a particular potential collaborating mayor, “mayor B” means that mayor. (11) In this section— - “potential collaborating mayor’s area” means the area for which a potential collaborating mayor is the mayor; - “requesting mayor’s area” means the area for which a requesting mayor is the mayor.

• (2) After section 103B of LDEDCA 2009 (inserted by section 22 of this Act) insert—

(103C) (1) The mayor for the area of a combined authority (“mayor A”) may make a request to another elected mayor (“mayor B”) for the mayors to collaborate in relation to a matter relating to any aspect of any area of competence. (2) A collaboration request must specify— (a) the matter on which mayor A wants the mayors to collaborate, and (b) the way in which mayor A wants the mayors to collaborate. (3) Mayor A may make a collaboration request only if mayor A considers that the requested collaboration would be likely to improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of— (a) some or all of the people who live or work in mayor A’s area, or (b) some or all of the people who live or work in mayor A’s area and some or all of the people who live or work in mayor B’s area. (4) Mayor A may make a collaboration request only if mayor A’s area adjoins mayor B’s area. (5) A collaboration request must be in writing. (6) Mayor A must publish, in such manner as the mayor thinks appropriate, any collaboration request which the mayor makes. (7) The mayors for the areas of combined authorities must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State in exercising powers, and complying with duties, under this section. (8) Section 103E makes provision about collaboration requests made by, or to, two or more elected mayors. (9) In this section, section 103D and section 103E— - “area of competence” has the same meaning as in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (see section 2 of that Act); - “collaboration request” means a request made under subsection (1); - “elected mayor” means— the mayor for the area of a combined authority, the mayor for the area of a combined county authority, or the Mayor of London; - “mayor A” has the meaning given in subsection (1); - “mayor A’s area” means the area for which mayor A is the mayor; - “mayor B” has the meaning given in subsection (1); - “mayor B’s area” means the area for which mayor B is the mayor. (103D) (1) In a case where a collaboration request is made to mayor B, the mayor must— (a) consider the collaboration request and decide how to respond, (b) set out the response in writing, (c) give the response to mayor A, and (d) publish, in such manner as the mayor thinks appropriate, the response. (2) In considering the collaboration request and deciding how to respond, mayor B must have regard to the economic, social and environmental well-being of some or all of the people who live or work in mayor B’s area. (3) If mayor B decides not to agree to the collaboration request, or any part of it, mayor B must— (a) give the reasons for that decision, and (b) include the reasons in the response to mayor A. (4) Mayors to whom collaboration requests are made must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State in exercising the powers, and complying with the duties, under this section. (103E) (1) Two or more elected mayors (the “requesting mayors”) may make a collaboration request to a single elected mayor (the “potential collaborating mayor”) if— (a) at least one of the requesting mayors is the mayor for the area of a combined authority, and (b) each requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test. (2) For that purpose, a requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test if that area— (a) adjoins every other requesting mayor’s area, and (b) adjoins the potential collaborating mayor’s area. (3) If two or more elected mayors make a collaboration request to a single elected mayor— (a) sections 103C and 103D apply in relation to each of the requesting mayors separately, and (b) accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to a particular requesting mayor, “mayor A” means that mayor. (4) A single mayor for the area of a combined authority (the “requesting mayor”) may make a collaboration request to two or more elected mayors (the “potential collaborating mayors”) if each potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour test. (5) For that purpose, a potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour test if that area adjoins the requesting mayor’s area. (6) If a single mayor for the area of a combined authority makes a collaboration request to two or more elected mayors— (a) sections 103C and 103D apply in relation to each of the potential collaborating mayors separately, and (b) accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to a particular potential collaborating mayor, “mayor B” means that mayor. (7) Two or more elected mayors (the “requesting mayors”) may make a collaboration request to two or more elected mayors (the “potential collaborating mayors”) if— (a) at least one of the requesting mayors is the mayor for the area of a combined authority, (b) each requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test, and (c) each potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour test. (8) For the purposes of subsection (7), a requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test if that area— (a) adjoins every other requesting mayor’s area, and (b) adjoins every potential collaborating mayor’s area. (9) For the purposes of subsection (7), a potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour test if that area adjoins every requesting mayor’s area. (10) If two or more elected mayors make a collaboration request to two or more elected mayors— (a) sections 103C and 103D apply in relation to each of the requesting mayors separately, and (b) accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to a particular requesting mayor, “mayor A” means that mayor; (c) sections 103C and 103D apply in relation to each of the potential collaborating mayors separately, and (d) accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to a particular potential collaborating mayor, “mayor B” means that mayor. (11) In this section— - “potential collaborating mayor’s area” means the area for which a potential collaborating mayor is the mayor; - “requesting mayor’s area” means the area for which a requesting mayor is the mayor.

• (3) After section 40B of GLAA 1999 (inserted by section 22 of this Act) insert—