PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Combined Authorities (30 August 2024)

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what powers combined authorities have to expand; what criteria they need to fulfil to expand; what consent from other public bodies will be required for expansion; and what the timescales are for such expansions.

Asked by:
Shaun Davies (Labour)

The process for combined authority expansion is set out in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. A combined authority must apply to the Secretary of State regarding their proposal to expand. There must be a public consultation on that proposal across the whole of the proposed expanded area. The legislation sets out the consent criteria for expansion which will depend on the nature of the proposal. The timescales for expansions are subject to this process, along with Parliamentary timescales for approval of the required secondary legislation and will therefore vary for any combined authority seeking to expand. We will consider all aspects of devolution and Combined Authorities in the landmark English Devolution Bill.

Answered by:
Jim McMahon (Labour)
9 September 2024