English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026
2026 Chapter 23
An Act to make provision about combined authorities, combined county authorities, the Greater London Authority, local authorities, police and crime commissioners and fire and rescue authorities, local audit and terms in business tenancies about rent.
[29th April 2026]
Be it enacted by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
(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.
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.
(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.
4 Combined authorities and CCAs: establishment, expansion and functions
Schedule 1 contains provision amending requirements relating to the establishment and expansion of, and conferral of functions on, combined authorities and CCAs.
5 Combined authorities and CCAs: functions generally
(1) Before section 18 of LURA 2023 insert—
The functions of CCAs
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—
Functions of combined authorities
The functions of combined authorities
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).
6 Combined authorities and CCAs: decision-making and validity of proceedings
(1) LURA 2023 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3).
(2) After section 13 insert—
Decision-making
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.
Validity of proceedings
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—
Decision-making
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.
Validity of proceedings
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.
7 Combined authorities and CCAs: powers not limited by other provision or powers
(1) In LURA 2023, after section 24B (inserted by section 43(2) of this Act) insert—
Powers not limited by other provision or powers
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—
Powers not limited by other provision or powers
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.
8 Combined authorities and CCAs: designation as established mayoral strategic authorities
(1) After section 25 of LURA 2023 insert—
Designation as an established mayoral strategic authority
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—
Changes to combined authorities
.
(4) After section 106A insert—
Designation as an established mayoral strategic authority
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.
(1) After section 29 of LURA 2023 insert—
Appointment of commissioners by the mayor
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—
Appointment of commissioners by the mayor
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.
10 Combined authorities and CCAs: allowances for members with special responsibilities
(1) LURA 2023 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3).
(2) After section 52 insert—
Allowances for members with special responsibilities
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—
Allowances for members with special responsibilities
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.
(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.
(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)”.
15 Combined authorities and CCAs: minor amendments
(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—
Chapter 1
Economic prosperity boards
;
(b) before the italic heading before section 103 insert—
Chapter 2
Combined authorities
;
(c) before the italic heading before section 113A insert—
Chapter 3
General provision
.
(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;
.
After section 40 of the GLAA 1999 insert—
Additional functions
Additional functions of the Authority, Mayor and functional bodies
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.
17 Members of legislatures disqualified for being a mayor of a strategic authority
(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—
Disqualification from being the Mayor: members of legislatures
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.
18 Functions of mayors of combined authorities or CCAs
(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.
(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)”.
20 Report under section 1 of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016
For section 1 of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016 (devolution: annual report) substitute—
Devolution: annual report
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).
22 Power of mayors to convene meetings with local partners
(1) After section 17A of LURA 2023 (inserted by section 5 of this Act) insert—
Collaboration
Mayoral power to convene meetings with local partners
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—
Mayoral power to convene meetings with local partners
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—
Collaboration
Mayor’s power to convene meetings with local partners
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;”.
(1) After section 17B of LURA 2023 (inserted by section 22 of this Act) insert—
Request to collaborate
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.
Responding to a collaboration request
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.
Collaboration requests made by or to several mayors
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—
Request to collaborate
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.
Responding to a collaboration request
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.
Collaboration requests made by or to several mayors
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—
Request to collaborate
40C (1) The Mayor of London (“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 Greater London, or
(b) some or all of the people who live or work in Greater London 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 Greater London 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 Mayor of London must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State in exercising powers, and complying with duties, under this section.
(8) Section 40E makes provision about collaboration requests made by, or to, two or more elected mayors.
(9) In this section, section 40D and section 40E—
“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 of London,
the mayor for the area of a combined authority, or
the mayor for the area of a combined county authority;
“mayor A” has the meaning given in subsection (1);
“mayor B” has the meaning given in subsection (1);
“mayor B’s area” means the area for which mayor B is the mayor.
Responding to a collaboration request
40D (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.
Collaboration requests made by or to several mayors
40E (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 of London, 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 40C and 40D 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) The Mayor of London (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 Greater London.
(6) If the Mayor of London makes a collaboration request to two or more elected mayors—
(a) sections 40C and 40D 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 of London,
(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 40C and 40D 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 40C and 40D 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.
24 Regulation of provision of micromobility vehicles
Schedule 7 confers on strategic authorities, and local authorities where there is no strategic authority, powers to regulate the provision of micromobility vehicles.
28 Restrictions on disposal of land by Transport for London
(1) The GLAA 1999 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 163(1), in the words after paragraph (b), for “Secretary of State” substitute “appropriate person”.
(3) In section 163(2), for “Secretary of State” substitute “appropriate person”.
(4) After section 163(4), insert—
(4A) Transport for London must consult Network Rail Limited, or a subsidiary of Network Rail Limited nominated by Network Rail Limited, before seeking from the appropriate person—
(a) consent under subsection (1) in relation to land used by Network Rail, or
(b) consent under subsection (2) in relation to a company in which is vested land used by Network Rail.
(4B) The Secretary of State may by regulations—
(a) amend subsection (4A) by adding or removing a person who must be consulted under that subsection;
(b) amend this section to include other requirements for Transport for London to consult before seeking a consent under this section.
(5) For section 163(5) substitute—
(5) Any consent—
(a) of the appropriate person under this section may be given in relation to any particular transaction or description of transactions; and
(b) of the Secretary of State under this section may be given subject to conditions.
(6) In section 163(7), for “Secretary of State”, substitute “appropriate person”.
(7) In section 163(8), before “operational land” insert—
“appropriate person” means—
in relation to consent under subsection (1)—
the Mayor of London, in a case where the consent relates to land which is entirely within Greater London and is not Crown land;
the Secretary of State, in case where the consent relates to any other land;
in relation to consent under subsection (2)—
the Mayor of London, in a case where all the operational land vested in the subsidiary company is entirely within Greater London and is not Crown land;
the Secretary of State, in any other case;
“Crown land” means land in which the Crown has any estate or interest, or over which the Crown has any right;
“land used by Network Rail” means—
land that is used wholly or partly for the provision of network services by Network Rail; and
land that is used by Network Rail wholly or partly for a purpose ancillary or incidental to use of land that falls within paragraph (a);
“Network Rail” means Network Rail Limited or any subsidiary of Network Rail Limited;
“network services” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the Railways Act 1993 (see section 82 of that Act);
(8) In section 164(a), after “Secretary of State” insert “or Mayor”.
(9) In section 420, after subsection (5), insert—
(5A) A statutory instrument containing regulations under section 163(4B) of this Act may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.
30 Constituent councils to act in accordance with local transport plans etc
For section 113 of the Transport Act 2000 substitute—
Role of councils in relation to policies etc of ITAs, combined authorities & CCAs
113 (1) A metropolitan district council that is within the area of an Integrated Transport Authority (the “ITA”)—
(a) must carry out its functions so as to implement the policies developed by the ITA in accordance with section 108(1)(b);
(b) must, in carrying out its functions in accordance with paragraph (a)—
(i) comply with the duties set out in section 108(2ZB), and
(ii) have regard to the proposals contained in the applicable local transport plan;
(c) must—
(i) cause a copy of the applicable local transport plan to be made available for inspection (at all reasonable hours) at such places as it thinks fit,
(ii) give notice, by such means as it thinks expedient for bringing the applicable local transport plan to the attention of the public, as to the places at which a copy of it may be inspected, and
(iii) supply a copy of the applicable local transport plan (or any part of it) to any person on request, either free of charge or at a charge representing no more than the cost of providing the copy.
(2) A constituent council of a combined authority or a combined county authority—
(a) must carry out its functions so as to implement the policies developed by the combined authority or combined county authority in accordance with section 108(1)(b);
(b) must, in carrying out its functions in accordance with paragraph (a)—
(i) comply with the duties set out in section 108(2ZB), and
(ii) have regard to the proposals contained in the applicable local transport plan;
(c) must—
(i) cause a copy of the applicable local transport plan to be made available for inspection (at all reasonable hours) at such places as it thinks fit,
(ii) give notice, by such means as it thinks expedient for bringing the applicable local transport plan to the attention of the public, as to the places at which a copy of it may be inspected, and
(iii) supply a copy of the applicable local transport plan (or any part of it) to any person on request, either free of charge or at a charge representing no more than the cost of providing the copy.
(3) In this section—
“applicable local transport plan”—
in relation to a metropolitan district council that is within the area of an Integrated Transport Authority, means the local transport plan of the ITA;
in relation to a constituent council of a combined authority or combined county authority, means the local transport plan of that authority;
“constituent council”—
in relation to a combined authority, means—
a county council the whole or any part of whose area is within the area of the authority, or
a district council whose area is within the area of the authority;
in relation to a combined county authority, means—
a county council for an area within the area of the authority, or
a unitary district council for an area within the area of the authority;
and here “unitary district council” means a district council whose area does not form part of the area of a county council.
(4) In any enactment, a reference—
(a) to section 108(1)(b) includes subsection (2)(a) of this section;
(b) to section 108(2ZA) includes subsection (2)(b)(i) of this section;
(c) to section 108(3B) includes subsection (2)(b)(ii) of this section;
(d) to section 109(4) includes subsection (2)(c) of this section.
31 Local transport authorities and other transport functions
Schedule 12 confers on combined authorities and CCAs functions as local transport authorities and makes provision about other functions relating to transport.
(1) Schedule 15 confers on mayors of combined authorities and CCAs functions in relation to development orders.
(2) Schedule 16 contains amendments relating to section 33 and this section.
39 Prioritisation of development of brownfield land
In section 12G of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (preparation of draft spatial development strategy), after subsection (2) insert—
(2A) The Secretary of State must make regulations under subsection (2)(d) which prescribe the desirability of prioritising development on land that has been previously developed.
(1) Chapter 1 of Part 3 of the Local Government Act 2003 (expenditure grant) is amended in accordance with this section.
(2) In the heading of section 31 (power to pay grant), after “power” insert “of Ministers”.
(3) After section 32 insert—
Power of strategic authorities to pay grant
32A (1) A combined authority or CCA may pay to a constituent council a grant towards expenditure incurred or to be incurred by it.
(2) The amount of a grant under this section and the manner of its payment are to be such as the person paying it may determine.
(3) A grant under this section may be paid on such conditions as the person paying it may determine.
(4) Conditions under subsection (3) may, in particular, include—
(a) provision as to the use of the grant;
(b) provision as to circumstances in which the whole or part of the grant must be repaid.
(5) Subsection (6) applies where, in exercising a function under this section, a combined authority or CCA determines an amount of grant to be paid towards expenditure incurred or to be incurred by a constituent council in relation to the exercise of its highway functions.
(6) In determining that amount, the combined authority or CCA must have regard to the desirability of ensuring that the constituent council has sufficient funds to facilitate the effective discharge of those highway functions.
(7) To comply with subsection (6), the combined authority or CCA must take into account any other sources of funding available to the constituent council for expenditure incurred or to be incurred in relation to the exercise of its highway functions.
(8) The functions conferred by this section on a mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA are functions of the authority or CCA exercisable only by the mayor on behalf of the authority or CCA.
(9) In this section—
“combined authority” means a combined authority established under section 103 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009;
“combined county authority” means a combined county authority established under section 9(1) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023;
“constituent council” means—
in relation to a combined authority—
a county council the whole or any part of whose area is within the area of the authority, or
a district council whose area is within the area of the authority;
in relation to a combined county authority—
a county council for an area within the area of the authority, or
a unitary district council for an area within the area of the authority;
“highway functions” means functions exercisable by a constituent council (in whatever capacity) in relation to the highways for which it is the highway authority;
“mayoral CCA” has the same meaning as in Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (see section 27(8) of that Act);
“mayoral combined authority” has the same meaning as in Part 6 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (see section 107A(8) of that Act).
43 Co-operation with local government pension scheme managers
(1) After section 107ZB of LDEDCA 2009 (inserted by section 45(1) of this Act), insert—
Combined authorities: co-operation with local government pension scheme managers
Co-operation with local government pension scheme managers
107ZC (1) This section applies where a scheme manager is responsible for managing and administering part of a scheme for local government workers in England and Wales in relation to a current employee of a constituent council of a combined authority in connection with that employment.
(2) The combined authority must co-operate with the scheme manager to identify and develop investment opportunities appropriate to the pension fund that the scheme manager maintains for its part of the scheme.
(3) Where the scheme manager participates in an asset pool company, the combined authority may fulfil its duty to co-operate with the scheme manager under subsection (2) by co-operating with—
(a) the scheme manager,
(b) the asset pool company, or
(c) both the scheme manager and the asset pool company.
(4) A scheme manager participates in an asset pool company by—
(a) being a shareholder of the company,
(b) being a shareholder in another company which is the only shareholder of the company, or
(c) contracting with the company for it to manage the funds and other assets for which the scheme manager is responsible.
(5) In this section—
“asset pool company” has the meaning given by section 1(9) of the Pension Schemes Act 2026;
“local government worker” has the meaning given by section 37 of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013;
“scheme” has the meaning given by section 37 of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013;
“scheme manager”, in relation to a scheme for local government workers, means a person who is a scheme manager by virtue of section 4(5) of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 (being a person responsible for the local administration of pensions and other benefits payable under the scheme who maintains a pension fund for the purposes of providing pensions and other benefits under its part of the scheme).
(2) After section 24A of LURA 2023 (inserted by section 45(2) of this Act), insert—
Co-operation with local government pension scheme managers
24B (1) This section applies where a scheme manager is responsible for managing and administering part of a scheme for local government workers in England and Wales in relation to a current employee of—
(a) a constituent council of a CCA, or
(b) a district council which is not a constituent council where any part of the area of the council falls within the area of a CCA,
in connection with that employment.
(2) The CCA must cooperate with the scheme manager to identify and develop investment opportunities appropriate to the pension fund that the scheme manager maintains for its part of the scheme.
(3) Where the scheme manager participates in an asset pool company, the CCA may fulfil its duty to co-operate with the scheme manager under subsection (2) by co-operating with—
(a) the scheme manager,
(b) the asset pool company, or
(c) both the scheme manager and the asset pool company.
(4) A scheme manager participates in an asset pool company by—
(a) being a shareholder of the company,
(b) being a shareholder in another company which is the only shareholder of the company, or
(c) contracting with the company for it to manage the funds and other assets for which the scheme manager is responsible.
(5) In this section—
“asset pool company” has the meaning given by section 1(9) of the Pension Schemes Act 2026;
“local government worker” has the meaning given by section 37 of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013;
“scheme” has the meaning given by section 37 of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013;
“scheme manager”, in relation to a scheme for local government workers, means a person who is a scheme manager by virtue of section 4(5) of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 (being a person responsible for the local administration of pensions and other benefits payable under the scheme who maintains a pension fund for the purposes of providing pensions and other benefits under its part of the scheme).
(3) After section 403 of the GLAA 1999, insert—
Co-operation with local government pension scheme managers
403ZA (1) The Authority must co-operate with a scheme manager for a scheme for local government workers in England and Wales who falls within subsection (2) to identify and develop investment opportunities appropriate to the pension fund that the scheme manager maintains for its part of the scheme.
(2) A scheme manager falls within this subsection if the scheme manager is—
(a) the London Pensions Fund Authority, or
(b) a London borough.
(3) Where the scheme manager participates in an asset pool company, the Authority may fulfil its duty to co-operate with the scheme manager under subsection (1) by co-operating with—
(a) the scheme manager,
(b) the asset pool company, or
(c) both the scheme manager and the asset pool company.
(4) A scheme manager participates in an asset pool company by—
(a) being a shareholder of the company,
(b) being a shareholder in another company which is the only shareholder of the company, or
(c) contracting with the company for it to manage the funds and other assets for which the scheme manager is responsible.
(5) In this section—
“asset pool company” has the meaning given by section 1(9) of the Pension Schemes Act 2026;
“local government worker” has the meaning given by section 37 of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013;
“scheme” has the meaning given by section 37 of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013;
“scheme manager”, in relation to a scheme for local government workers, means a person who is a scheme manager by virtue of section 4(5) of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 (being a person responsible for the local administration of pensions and other benefits payable under the scheme who maintains a pension fund for the purposes of providing pensions and other benefits under its part of the scheme).