What is a combined authority?

A combined authority is a body set up by two or more English councils to work together. It handles shared issues such as transport, skills, housing and economic growth. Many are led by a directly elected mayor, such as in Greater Manchester or the West Midlands. They receive powers and funding devolved from central government.

Combined authorities were created under the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. Greater Manchester became the first in 2011. Most now have an elected mayor, who chairs the authority and holds extra powers. Combined county authorities, created in 2023, allow county councils to join similar arrangements. Mayors chair meetings with the leaders of each member council and set strategy for the whole area.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 renamed these bodies strategic authorities and set three tiers: foundation, mayoral and established mayoral. Mayors gain powers over local transport plans, key road networks, adult skills and strategic planning. Established mayoral authorities can receive an integrated settlement, a single pot of funding with more freedom over how it is spent. Funding is still mostly central.

Combined authorities do not replace councils, which still run services like bins, social care and schools. Supporters say they give regions a stronger voice and let decisions be made closer to people. Critics say they add another layer of government, can be confusing for voters and still depend heavily on Whitehall funding. Turnout in mayoral elections is often low, which critics see as a warning sign.