English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026

Before section 18 of LURA 2023 insert—

“17AThe functions of CCAs

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).”

After section 103 of LDEDCA 2009 insert—

“Functions of combined authorities

103AThe functions of combined authorities

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).”

After section 13 insert—

“13ADecision-making

(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.

13BValidity of proceedings

(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.”

After section 104C insert—

“104CADecision-making

(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.

104CBValidity of proceedings

(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.”

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

“24CPowers not limited by other provision or powers

(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.”

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

“104CCPowers not limited by other provision or powers

(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.”

After section 25 of LURA 2023 insert—

“25ADesignation as an established mayoral strategic authority

(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.”

Before section 106 insert—

“Changes to combined authorities”.

After section 106A insert—

“106BDesignation as an established mayoral strategic authority

(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.”

After section 29 of LURA 2023 insert—

“29AAppointment of commissioners by the mayor

(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.”

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”.

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.”

After section 107C of LDEDCA 2009 insert—

“107CAAppointment of commissioners by the mayor

(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.”

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”.

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.”

After section 52 insert—

“52AAllowances for members with special responsibilities

(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.”

After section 113D of LDEDCA 2009 insert—

“113EAllowances for members with special responsibilities

(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.”

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”.

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”.

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—

(a)

transport functions of the combined authority or CCA,

(b)

functions of a police and crime commissioner exercisable by the mayor for the area of the combined authority or CCA, and

(c)

functions of a fire and rescue authority exercisable by the mayor for the area of the combined authority or CCA.”

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.”

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.”

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—

(a)

the House of Commons;

(b)

the Scottish Parliament;

(c)

Senedd Cymru;

(d)

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.”

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—

(a)

the House of Commons;

(b)

the Scottish Parliament;

(c)

Senedd Cymru;

(d)

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.”

In the GLAA 1999, after section 21A insert—

“21BDisqualification from being the Mayor: members of legislatures

(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—

(a)

the House of Commons;

(b)

the Scottish Parliament;

(c)

Senedd Cymru;

(d)

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.”

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.”

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.”

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

“Collaboration

17BMayoral power to convene meetings with local partners

(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—

(a)

the area of the CCA, and

(b)

any aspect of any area of competence set out in section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.”

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

“103BMayoral power to convene meetings with local partners

(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—

(a)

the area of the combined authority, and

(b)

any aspect of any area of competence set out in section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.”

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

“Collaboration

40BMayor’s power to convene meetings with local partners

(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—

(a)

Greater London, and

(b)

any aspect of any area of competence set out in section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.”

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

“17CRequest to collaborate

(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—

(a)

the mayor for the area of a CCA,

(b)

the mayor for the area of a combined authority, or

(c)

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.

17DResponding to a collaboration request

(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.

17ECollaboration requests made by or to several mayors

(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.”

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

“103CRequest to collaborate

(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—

(a)

the mayor for the area of a combined authority,

(b)

the mayor for the area of a combined county authority, or

(c)

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.

103DResponding to a collaboration request

(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.

103ECollaboration requests made by or to several mayors

(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.”

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

“40CRequest to collaborate

(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—

(a)

the Mayor of London,

(b)

the mayor for the area of a combined authority, or

(c)

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.

40DResponding to a collaboration request

(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.

40ECollaboration requests made by or to several mayors

(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.”

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.”

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.”

In section 163(8), before “operational land” insert—

““appropriate person” means—

(a)

in relation to consent under subsection (1)—

(i)

the Mayor of London, in a case where the consent relates to land which is entirely within Greater London and is not Crown land;

(ii)

the Secretary of State, in case where the consent relates to any other land;

(b)

in relation to consent under subsection (2)—

(i)

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;

(ii)

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—

(a)

land that is used wholly or partly for the provision of network services by Network Rail; and

(b)

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);”

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.”

After section 32 insert—

“32APower of strategic authorities to pay grant

(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—

(a)

in relation to a combined authority—

(i)

a county council the whole or any part of whose area is within the area of the authority, or

(ii)

a district council whose area is within the area of the authority;

(b)

in relation to a combined county authority—

(i)

a county council for an area within the area of the authority, or

(ii)

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).”

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

107ZCCo-operation with local government pension scheme managers

(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).”

After section 24A of LURA 2023 (inserted by section 45(2) of this Act), insert—

“24BCo-operation with local government pension scheme managers

(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).”

After section 403 of the GLAA 1999, insert—

“403ZACo-operation with local government pension scheme managers

(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).”

After section 107ZA of LDEDCA 2009 insert—

“Combined authorities: health

107ZBHealth improvement and health inequalities duty

(1)

When considering whether or how to exercise any of its functions, a combined authority must have regard to the need to—

(a)

improve the health of persons in the combined authority’s area, and

(b)

reduce health inequalities between persons living in the combined authority’s area.

(2)

When considering whether or how to exercise any function, the mayor for the area of a combined authority must have regard to the considerations set out in subsection (1).

(3)

Health inequalities “between persons” living in an area means health inequalities between persons, or persons of different descriptions, living in, or in different parts of, an area.

(4)

“Health inequalities” means inequalities in respect of life expectancy or general state of health which are wholly or partly a result of differences in respect of general health determinants.

(5)

“General health determinants” are—

(a)

standards of housing, transport services or public safety,

(b)

environmental factors, including air quality and access to green space and bodies of water,

(c)

employment prospects, earning capacity and any other matters that affect levels of prosperity,

(d)

the degree of ease or difficulty with which persons have access to public services,

(e)

the use, or level of use, of tobacco, alcohol or other substances, and any other matters of personal behaviour or lifestyle, that are or may be harmful to health,

and any other matters that are determinants of life expectancy or the state of health of persons generally, other than genetic or biological factors.

(6)

In subsection (1)(a), the reference to improving the health of persons includes a reference to mitigating any detriment to health which would otherwise be occasioned by the exercise of a combined authority’s function.

(7)

In subsection (1)(b), the reference to reducing health inequalities includes a reference to mitigating any increase in health inequalities which would otherwise be occasioned by the exercise of a combined authority’s function.”

After section 24 of LURA 2023 insert—

“24AHealth improvement and health inequalities duty

(1)

When considering whether or how to exercise any of its functions, a CCA must have regard to the need to—

(a)

improve the health of persons in the CCA’s area, and

(b)

reduce health inequalities between persons living in the CCA’s area.

(2)

When considering whether or how to exercise any function, the mayor for the area of a CCA must have regard to the considerations set out in subsection (1).

(3)

Health inequalities “between persons” living in an area means health inequalities between persons, or persons of different descriptions, living in, or in different parts of, an area.

(4)

“Health inequalities” means inequalities in respect of life expectancy or general state of health which are wholly or partly a result of differences in respect of general health determinants.

(5)

“General health determinants” are—

(a)

standards of housing, transport services or public safety,

(b)

environmental factors, including air quality and access to green space and bodies of water,

(c)

employment prospects, earning capacity and any other matters that affect levels of prosperity,

(d)

the degree of ease or difficulty with which persons have access to public services,

(e)

the use, or level of use, of tobacco, alcohol or other substances, and any other matters of personal behaviour or lifestyle, that are or may be harmful to health,

and any other matters that are determinants of life expectancy or the state of health of persons generally, other than genetic or biological factors.

(6)

In subsection (1)(a) above, the reference to improving the health of persons includes a reference to mitigating any detriment to health which would otherwise be occasioned by the exercise of a CCA’s function.

(7)

In subsection (1)(b) above, the reference to reducing health inequalities includes a reference to mitigating any increase in health inequalities which would otherwise be occasioned by the exercise of a CCA’s function.”

In section 309(F)(5) of GLAA 1999 (health inequalities between persons living in Greater London) after paragraph (a), insert—

“(aa)

environmental factors, including air quality and access to green space and bodies of water,”.

After section 107F of LDEDCA 2009 insert—

“107FAThe “eligibility” and “transfer” conditions

(1)

This section sets out the “eligibility condition” and “transfer condition” referred to in section 107F(1A).

(2)

A combined authority meets the eligibility condition in case A or case B.

(3)

Case A: the authority’s area is the same as a single English police area.

In this case, the authority meets the eligibility condition in relation to the single police area.

(4)

Case B: the authority’s area is the same as two or more English police areas (when those areas are taken together).

In this case, the authority meets the eligibility condition in relation to each of those police areas.

(5)

A combined authority meets the transfer condition in relation to an English police area if—

(a)

the Secretary of State has, by order, specified the time at which the mayor for the area of the authority is to begin exercising functions of a police and crime commissioner (the “transfer time”), and

(b)

the transfer time has passed.

(6)

If a combined authority meets the eligibility condition in relation to two or more English police areas, the Secretary of State may only exercise the power conferred by subsection (5)(a) so as to specify the same transfer time in relation to all of those police areas.

(7)

In this section “English police area” means a police area listed in Schedule 1 to the Police Act 1996 (police areas outside London) that is in England.”

In section 107G of LDEDCA 2009 (mayors for combined authorities: financial matters), after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A)

Where the mayoral functions of a mayor include PCC functions in relation to more than one police area, the provision made in accordance with subsection (4)(a) which ensures that there is a separate component in respect of the mayor’s PCC functions must include separate components in respect of the mayor’s PCC functions in relation to the different police areas.”

After section 33 of LURA 2023 insert—

“33AThe “eligibility” and “transfer” conditions

(1)

This section sets out the “eligibility condition” and “transfer condition” referred to in section 33(1A).

(2)

A CCA meets the eligibility condition in case A or case B.

(3)

Case A: the CCA’s area is the same as a single English police area.

In this case, the CCA meets the eligibility condition in relation to the single police area.

(4)

Case B: the CCA’s area is the same as two or more English police areas (when those areas are taken together).

In this case, the CCA meets the eligibility condition in relation to each of those police areas.

(5)

A CCA meets the transfer condition in relation to an English police area if—

(a)

the Secretary of State has, by order, specified the time at which the mayor for the area of the CCA is to begin exercising functions of a police and crime commissioner (the “transfer time”), and

(b)

the transfer time has passed.

(6)

If a CCA meets the eligibility condition in relation to two or more English police areas, the Secretary of State may only exercise the power conferred by subsection (5)(a) so as to specify the same transfer time in relation to all of those police areas.

(7)

In this section “English police area” means a police area listed in Schedule 1 to the Police Act 1996 (police areas outside London) that is in England.”

In section 41 of LURA 2023 (mayors for CCA areas: financial matters), after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A)

Where the mayoral functions of a mayor include PCC functions in relation to more than one police area, the provision made in accordance with subsection (4)(a) which ensures that there is a separate component in respect of the mayor’s PCC functions must include separate components in respect of the mayor’s PCC functions in relation to the different police areas.”

After paragraph 21(a) of Schedule 1 to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner Functions to the Mayor) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/470), insert—

“(aa)

for subsection (1) substitute—

“(1)

The mayor must—

(a)

appoint a person as the deputy mayor for policing and crime for the area, and

(b)

arrange for the deputy mayor for policing and crime to exercise one or more of the mayor’s PCC functions.”

In section 1 of PRSRA 2011 (police and crime commissioners), for subsection (9A) substitute—

“(9A)

Subsection (1) does not apply to an area if the mayor for the area of a combined authority or combined county authority is to exercise functions of a police and crime commissioner in relation to the area in accordance with—

(a)

an order under section 107F(1) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009;

(b)

section 107F(1A) of that Act;

(c)

regulations under section 33(1) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023;

(d)

section 33(1A) of that Act.

(9B)

See section 76A and Schedule 10A for provision about cases where a mayor is to exercise functions in accordance with—

(a)

section 107F(1A) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, or

(b)

section 33(1A) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.”

After section 76 of PRSRA 2011 insert—

“Chapter 6AExercise of PCC functions by elected mayors

76AExercise of PCC functions by elected mayors

Schedule 10A makes provision about cases where a mayor is to exercise functions in accordance with—

(a)

section 107F(1A) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, or

(b)

section 33(1A) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.”

In subsection (2), after paragraph (e) insert—

“(f)

a mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA is the fire and rescue authority for the whole of its area if the Secretary of State designates it as the fire and rescue authority for that area in accordance with section 1A(1);

(g)

a mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA is the fire and rescue authority for a part of its area if the Secretary of State—

(i)

specifies that part of its area, and

(ii)

designates it as the fire and rescue authority for that part of its area,

in accordance with section 1A(2) and (3).”

After subsection (2) insert—

“(2A)

If a mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA is the fire and rescue authority for an area by virtue of subsection (2)(f) or (g), a council or other authority is not the fire and rescue authority for that area by virtue of subsection (2)(a) to (e) or section 2 or 4.

(2B)

The functions of a mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA as a fire and rescue authority are functions of the mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA exercisable only by the mayor on behalf of the combined authority or CCA.”

After section 1 of FRSA 2004 insert—

“1ADesignation of mayoral combined authorities and mayoral CCAs

(1)

The Secretary of State may by order designate a mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA as the fire and rescue authority for the whole of its area.

(2)

The Secretary of State may—

(a)

by order specify a part of the area of a mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA, and

(b)

by order designate the mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA as the fire and rescue authority for the specified part of its area.

(3)

But, if the Secretary of State exercises the powers conferred by subsection (2) in relation to a particular mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA (the “relevant mayoral authority”), the Secretary of State must ensure that those powers are exercised so as to secure that—

(a)

two or more parts are specified under subsection (2)(a) which, when taken together, consist of the whole of the area of the relevant mayoral authority;

(b)

the relevant mayoral authority is designated as the fire and rescue authority for each specified part;

(c)

all of those designations come into effect at the same time.

(4)

Accordingly, where the powers conferred by subsection (2) are exercised in relation to the relevant mayoral authority—

(a)

there are separate fire and rescue authorities for each area specified under subsection (2)(a);

(b)

the fire and rescue authority for each of those areas is the relevant mayoral authority.

(5)

The Secretary of State may by order provide for the name by which an area specified under subsection (2)(a) is to be known.

(6)

An order under subsection (1) or (2)(a) or (b) may make consequential alterations to any other—

(a)

section 1A(2) area,

(b)

section 2 combined area, or

(c)

section 4 combined area.

(7)

The alterations that may be made by virtue of subsection (6) include alterations that result in a reduction or an increase in the number of such areas.

(8)

An order under subsection (1) or (2)(a) or (b) may make provision for the abolition of—

(a)

a metropolitan county fire and rescue authority,

(b)

a combined fire and rescue authority constituted by a scheme under section 2, or

(c)

a combined fire and rescue authority constituted by a scheme to which section 4 applies.

(9)

The provision that may be made by regulations under section 56 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (incidental etc provision) for the purposes of, or in consequence of, an order under subsection (1) or (2)(a) or (b) relating to a particular mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA and particular area includes—

(a)

provision for functions of a fire rescue authority to be exercisable in relation to the area by the mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA during a shadow period (and not by any fire and rescue authority by which those functions would otherwise be exercisable);

(b)

provision for those functions to be exercisable only by the mayor on behalf of the mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA;

(c)

provision about who is to scrutinise the exercise of those functions;

(d)

any other incidental, consequential, transitional, transitory or supplementary provision.

(10)

In this section—

“section 1A(2) area” means an area specified in an order under subsection (2)(a) (including such an area as varied from time to time);

“section 2 combined area” means an area for which a combined fire and rescue authority is, or used to be, constituted by a scheme under section 2 (including such an area as varied from time to time);

“section 4 combined area” means the area for which a combined fire and rescue authority is, used to be, constituted by a scheme to which section 4 applies (including such an area as varied from time to time);

“shadow period”, in relation to provision made in accordance with subsection (9)(a) in relation to a particular area, means a period which—

(a)

ends when the designation of the mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA as the fire and rescue authority for the area takes effect, and

(b)

is no longer than one year.”

In section 5M of FRSA 2004 (interpretation), after the definition of “City of London police area” insert—

““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);”.

After subsection (7) insert—

“(7A)

For the purposes of this section, a function is transferred by regulations under Part 1 or 6 of Schedule 27 to the 2026 Act if provision under paragraph 1(1), 2(1) or 3(1) of that Schedule conferring the function is made, including such provision made by virtue of Part 6 of that Schedule.”.

For subsection (9) substitute—

“(9)

In this section—

“the 2009 Act” means the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009;

“the 2023 Act” means the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023;

“the 2026 Act” means the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026;

“category of strategic authority” has the same meaning as in the 2026 Act (see section 101(1) of that Act);

“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;

“devolution of functions SI” means any of the following—

(a)

regulations under section 16 of this Act;

(b)

an order under section 105A of the 2009 Act (conferral of functions of public authority on combined authority);

(c)

regulations under section 19(1) of the 2023 Act (conferral of functions of public authority on combined county authority);

(d)

regulations under Part 1 or 6 of Schedule 27 to the 2026 Act (conferral of functions of public authority on category of strategic authority);

“the health service” has the meaning given by section 275(1) of the NHSA 2006.”.