Guidance

English institutions with devolved powers: Plain English guidance

Published 26 March 2024

Applies to England

In memory of Paul Rowsell CBE

The ministers and officials of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities would like to use the publication of the first Plain English guidance for Institutions with Devolved Powers to remember Paul Rowsell CBE (1952-2024). Paul was involved in English devolution from its inception, overseeing innovations in local governance and the devolution of powers in all areas of England.

This included playing a leading role in establishing the enabling primary legislation – Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction 2009 Act, Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016, and Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 – and many pieces of implementing secondary legislation. He leaves a legacy of lasting and genuine change in a topic he was so passionate about.

Introduction

What is devolution?

60% of the English population are covered by devolution. Devolution is where areas and their local leaders receive more powers, funding and responsibilities from national government to take decisions about local priorities. In areas with devolution, some decisions that would normally be taken by national government will be taken in your local area instead.

You elect your local leaders to make decisions about key services and projects in your area and to work together on plans that help make sure things like transport, housing and planning work together and make the most out of public money.

To receive these powers, funding and responsibilities from national government there needs to be a local government institution which works across a wide enough regional area. In some parts of England this might be an existing county council. In others, it means groups of councils coming together to form a new and bigger institution.

What is an institution that has devolved powers, funding and responsibility?

There are 4 types of institutions that can have devolved powers, funding and responsibility in England. These are:

• Combined Authorities or Mayoral Combined Authorities: formed of 2 or more local councils, either led by a directly elected Mayor (Mayoral Combined Authority) or without a Mayor (Combined Authority). They support councils to work together across a wider geographic area on issues such as transport and housing. Any “lower tier” authorities (districts or borough councils within a county council area) are included as members.
• Combined County Authorities or Mayoral Combined County Authorities: formed of 2 or more local councils, either led by a Mayor (Mayoral Combined County Authority) or without a Mayor (Combined County Authority). They support councils to work together across a wider geographic area on issues such as transport and housing. Any “lower tier” authorities (districts or borough councils within a county council area) are not included as members.
• Local authorities with devolved powers: existing local councils who cover a large enough area to directly take on devolved powers, funding and responsibilities.
• Greater London Authority: The Greater London Authority (GLA) is the regional governance body for Greater London. Established in 2000 it is different to other institutions in England with devolved powers. It consists of 2 political branches – the Mayoralty, which holds the decision-making power, and the 25-member London Assembly, which serves as a means of scrutinising the mayoralty. The Mayor can take decisions without the involvement or approval of the 32 borough councils and City of London, whereas Combined Authorities (which exist elsewhere in England) have a formal role for the local councils in their areas.

If you live in an area where one of the above institutions exists, your local council will continue to exist and retain most of the same responsibilities as it did before the institution was introduced. The benefit of these new institutions with devolved powers is that they are large enough to take on new powers passed down by national government. They also enable councils to work together across a wider geographic area to deliver more joined up public services and projects for the area, where they choose to do so.

Combined authorities also hold local transport powers and functions that previously sat with the local council, so that local transport issues can be considered across a wider area (typically, a “travel to work” area).

Who are these local leaders?

These institutions with devolved powers, funding and responsibility are usually led by a directly elected Mayor or Leader (or in some cases the existing Leader of the council).

They provide visible leadership acting as a champion for local priorities and attracting investment that creates opportunities for you and your local area.

You directly elect these local leaders, giving them the authority to take greater risks in decision making to benefit the area, and you can hold them to account at local elections, and through local Question Times.

These local leaders are also accountable to the government for the power, funding and responsibilities the government devolves to them. The government must ensure that these powers, funding and responsibilities also support national priorities and deliver value for money for the taxpayer.

A breakdown of the different levels of English devolution

Apart from the Greater London Authority, institutions with devolved powers can mostly be placed into 4 categories, or levels. The powers, funding and responsibility they have depend on the level of devolution they have. It is up to areas to decide what level of devolution they want. Further information on the powers, funding and responsibilities available at each level of devolution can be found in the Technical paper on Level 4 devolution framework.

In addition to this, in March 2023, government agreed trailblazer devolution deals with Greater Manchester and the West Midlands Combined Authorities. These deals gave the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the West Midlands Combined Authority a suite of new powers, funding and responsibilities. Some of these are in Level 4 of the devolution framework and now on offer to other places. Some are being tested in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and West Midlands Combined Authority first before potentially being rolled out elsewhere.

East Midlands

If you live in the East Midlands, your institution with devolved powers is: East Midlands Combined County Authority. This is a Mayoral Combined County Authority.

• The first election for the directly elected Mayor is due to take place in May 2024.
• The Mayoral Combined County Authority will include Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council. If you live in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham or Nottinghamshire you will be able to vote for the Mayor.

Powers

Business Rate Supplement

This business rates supplement is an additional charge which county councils, unitary district councils, the Greater London Authority and certain Combined Authorities can levy on local ratepayers to fund additional investment aimed at promoting economic development.

Set Precepts

The Mayor will have the power to issue a precept on local tax bills to help raise funds to use for their mayoral functions.

Economic growth and investment

Investment Fund

The Mayor and Combined County Authority will take control of a long-term fund of 30 years, to invest in projects that contribute to economic growth. They can also use this funding to bring in further investment from elsewhere. Typically, this fund is used to support large infrastructure projects, such as transport or housing developments, but the Mayor and the Combined County Authority can choose to use it to address any local priorities.

Transport

Local Transport Functions

East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority is responsible for local transport functions and for setting overall transport priorities for the area.

Consolidated Transport Budget

The Mayor will be responsible for a local transport budget for the area of the East Midlands, which will be used to improve travel conditions for local people. This will include filling and reducing potholes, highway maintenance and an improvement in infrastructure across the area.

Bus Franchising

The Mayor and the Mayoral Combined County Authority will have the power to introduce and implement bus franchising. If taken up this would mean they would decide bus routes, frequencies, hours and days of operation, decisions which are currently largely made by bus operators.

Skills, education and jobs

Adult Education Budget

The Adult Education Budget provides funding for training and education designed to help people aged 19 and over move into work or further education. East Midlands Combined County Authority will begin receiving Adult Education Budget funding from the academic year 2025/26.

Housing and planning

Brownfield Funding

East Midlands Combined County Authority will receive funding from 2024/2025 to bring neglected urban land back into use. This will support the building of new homes. The East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority will be able to prioritise the housing needs of the local community.

Land Assembly and Compulsory Purchase Powers

Compulsory purchase is a legal mechanism by which certain bodies (known as ‘acquiring authorities’ and in this case the East Midlands Combined County Authority) can acquire land without the consent of the owner. Compulsory purchase powers support the delivery of a range of development, regeneration and infrastructure projects in the public interest, bringing about improvements to social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Each case is different and depending on the circumstances, compensation for some or all of your land that is taken can be claimed. See further information on compulsory purchase.

Mayoral Development Corporation

A Mayoral Development Corporation is a statutory organisation which has a range of powers to support regeneration and economic development in a defined area.

Health

Health Improvement Duty

East Midlands Combined County Authority will be under a duty to take such steps as it considers appropriate for improving the health of the people in its area (alongside with local councils).

Greater Manchester

If you live in Greater Manchester, your institution with devolved powers is: Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). This is a Mayoral Combined Authority.

Mayor: Rt Hon Andy Burnham (since 2017)

• The next mayoral election is in May 2024.
• The Mayoral Combined Authority includes the councils of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan. If you live in any of these areas you will be able to vote for the Mayor.

Powers

Police and Crime

The Mayor is also the Police and Crime Commissioner for your area. This means the Mayor is responsible for setting the police and crime objectives for the area, appointing and if necessary, dismissing the Chief Constable, ensuring the police force budget is spent where it matters most, and setting the amount on your council tax bill that contributes to the running of the police force in your area.

Fire and Rescue Service

The Mayor is the Fire and Rescue Authority for your area. This means the Mayor is responsible for setting the fire and rescue objectives for the area, appointing and if necessary, dismissing the Chief Fire Officer, and ensuring fire and rescue service budgets are spent where it matters most.

100% Business Rate Retention

100% business rate retention arrangements mean that local councils retain all business rates collected in their areas. This means locally collected taxes can be spent on local services and that if local councils are successful in growing their economy, they can keep the additional business rates. This is done in a cost neutral way when implemented as enhanced business rates retention replaces government grants of the same value.

Set Precepts

The Mayor can add an additional charge to your council tax bill to support their activities. On your bill, this will appear as the ‘Mayoral General Precept’. In Greater Manchester, this Mayoral General Precept also covers the fire service (which is a separate precept line in other areas of the country where the Mayor is not responsible for the fire service). As Police and Crime Commissioner, the Mayor is also responsible for the Police Precept.

Waste Disposal

Your local council is responsible for collecting household waste. Since 2018, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has been responsible for the management and disposal of this waste after it has been collected across nearly all places in the Greater Manchester area (apart from Wigan). This means they oversee the operation of facilities such as household waste and recycling centres.

Economic growth and investment

Investment Funds

The Mayor and Combined Authority has control of a long-term fund over 30 years to invest in projects that contribute to economic growth. They can also use this funding to bring in further investment from elsewhere. Typically, this fund is used to support large infrastructure projects, such as transport or housing developments, but the Mayor and the Mayoral Combined Authority can choose to use it to address any local priorities.

Single Settlement

Government has committed to provide a single funding settlement for Greater Manchester Combined Authority, to fund 5 policy areas: local growth and place; transport; housing and regeneration; adult skills priorities; and piloting the retrofit of buildings to improve energy efficiency. This will give the Greater Manchester Combined Authority greater flexibility and independence to deliver for the area. This is subject to the next Spending Review and Greater Manchester Combined Authority meeting certain conditions.

Skills, education and jobs

Adult Education Budget

Greater Manchester Combined Authority receives an annual allocation of the Adult Education Budget. This provides funding for training and education designed to help people aged 19 and over move into work, apprenticeships or further education.

Career Hubs

Greater Manchester Combined Authority receives funding to host the Careers Hub in Greater Manchester. Careers Hubs bring together schools, colleges, and employers, helping young people connect to local skills and economic needs through a responsive careers education programme.

Growth Hubs

Growth Hubs are core funded by government to provide local businesses with advice and access to support for any stage of the business journey, via a free and impartial single point of contact – bringing together national and local support offers from across the public and private sector to simplify the business support landscape for both businesses and providers.

Contracted Employment Programmes

Greater Manchester Combined Authority currently co-design and deliver several programmes to support people who are long term unemployed and people with health conditions or disabilities into sustainable employment.

When the latest Trailblazer Devolution Deal is implemented, Greater Manchester will co-design and deliver (subject to readiness conditions being met) all future contracted employment programmes, excluding exceptional circumstances where the Department for Work and Pensions reserves the right to adopt a national approach. This provides Greater Manchester the opportunity to work alongside the Department for Work and Pensions, using their local expertise to support employment outcomes in the labour market.

Transport

Local Transport Functions

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority is responsible for local transport functions and for setting overall transport priorities for the area.

Consolidated Transport Funding

Since 2022/23, government has provided a 5-year City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. This long term funding has enabled Greater Manchester Combined Authority to plan ahead and use resources more effectively to improve transport. Funding for a further 5-year settlement has also been confirmed for 2027/28-2031/32.

From 2027/28, this funding will become part of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Single Settlement mentioned above.

Bus Franchising

In addition to their local transport functions, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Mayor have the power to introduce and implement bus franchising. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has taken the decision to use these powers and is in the process of introducing bus franchising, meaning they will decide bus routes, frequencies, hours and days of operation (decisions otherwise largely made by bus operators).

Housing and planning

Brownfield Funding

Greater Manchester Combined Authority receives funding to bring neglected urban land back into use. This will support the building of new homes. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority will be able to prioritise the housing needs of the local community.

Land Assembly and Compulsory Purchase Powers

Compulsory purchase is a legal mechanism by which certain bodies (known as ‘acquiring authorities’ and in this case the Greater Manchester Combined Authority) can acquire land without the consent of the owner. Compulsory purchase powers support the delivery of a range of development, regeneration and infrastructure projects in the public interest, bringing about improvements to social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Each case is different and depending on the circumstances, compensation for some or all of your land that is taken can be claimed. See further information on compulsory purchase.

Mayoral Development Corporation

A Mayoral Development Corporation is a statutory organisation which has a range of powers to support regeneration and economic development in a defined area. An example of this is the Stockport Town Centre West Mayoral Development Corporation which will help tackle housing needs and promote growth in the area.

Affordable Homes Programme

Once the Trailblazer Devolution Deal is implemented, Greater Manchester Combined Authority will have more control over how funding to build affordable homes is used in Greater Manchester (with some immediate changes and greater control from April 2026). The Greater Manchester Combined Authority will have a greater say in choosing where affordable homes are built and who builds them.

Strategic Planning Powers

The Mayor has a duty to produce a strategic plan which will guide the amount, location and type of development which is needed across the region. It can cover all types of development such as housing, employment, retail and leisure, as well as the infrastructure needed to support any such development and the identification of areas or environments that should be protected. The plan can also set out policies to guide how development should come forward. The plan must be unanimously supported by all the local councils in Greater Manchester before it can be adopted. Once adopted, all the local plans of councils within the combined authority must generally conform with the Mayor’s Plan. Greater Manchester Combined Authority are not currently using this power. Instead, 9 of the 10 councils are pursuing a joint Local Plan called ‘Places for Everyone’.

Health

Health Improvement Duty

Greater Manchester Combined Authority is under a duty to take such steps as it considers appropriate for improving the health of the people in its area (alongside with local councils).

Liverpool City Region

If you live in Liverpool City Region^{[footnote 1]}, your institution with devolved powers is: Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority. This is a Mayoral Combined Authority.

Mayor: Steve Rotheram (since 2017) 

• The next mayoral election is in May 2024.
• The Mayoral Combined Authority includes the councils of, Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral. If you live in any of these areas you will be able to vote for the Mayor.

Powers

100% Business Rate Retention

100% business rate retention arrangements mean that local councils retain all business rates collected in their areas. This means locally collected taxes can be spent on local services and that if local councils are successful in growing their economy, they can keep the additional business rates. This is done in a cost neutral way when implemented as enhanced business rates retention replaces government grants of the same value.

Set Precepts

The Mayor can add an additional charge to your council tax bill to support their activities. On your bill, this will appear as the ‘Mayoral General Precept’.

Economic growth and investment

Investment Funds

The Mayor and Mayoral Combined Authority have control of a long-term fund for 30 years, to invest in projects that contribute to economic growth. They can also use this funding to bring in further investment from elsewhere. Typically, this fund is used to support large infrastructure projects, such as transport or housing developments, but the Mayor and the Mayoral Combined Authority can choose to use it to address any local priorities.

Single Pots, Funding Consolidation, and Single Settlement

Following confirmation that Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority is eligible for a Level 4 Devolution Agreement, the government will offer a ‘consolidated pot’ following the next multi-year Spending Review. This will cover funding associated with local growth and place and housing and regeneration. Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority will also be offered further funding consolidation for Transport (see below). These changes will allow for better planning over the long term and give the Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority greater freedom to take the right decisions for the local area.

This pot will also act as a stepping stone to the full trailblazer-style Single Settlement. Following successful delivery of the Consolidated Pot, and learning from the Trailblazer areas, Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority will then become eligible to receive a Single Settlement covering the broader set of devolved spending areas from the subsequent multi-year Spending Review (i.e. the one after they receive the first Consolidated Pots).

Skills, education and jobs

Adult Skills (Including the Adult Education Budget)

Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority receives an annual allocation of the Adult Education Budget. This provides funding for training and education designed to help people aged 19 and over move into work, apprenticeships or further education.

Following confirmation that Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority is eligible for a Level 4 Devolution agreement, it will also have the flexibility to decide how to spend Free Courses for Jobs and Skills Bootcamps funding to support residents to get the skills they need to find work.

Career Hubs

Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority receive funding to host the Careers Hub in the Liverpool City Region. Careers Hubs bring together schools, colleges, and employers, helping young people connect to local skills and economic needs through a responsive careers education programme.

Growth Hubs

Growth Hubs are core funded by government to provide local businesses with advice and access to support for any stage of the business journey, via a free and impartial single point of contact – bringing together national and local support offers from across the public and private sector to simplify the business support landscape for both businesses and providers.

Transport

Local Transport Functions

Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority will be responsible for local transport functions and for setting overall transport priorities for the area.

Consolidated Transport Funding

The Mayor will be responsible for a consolidated local transport budget for Liverpool City Region. The ambition is for this budget to include all funding allocated to Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority for local transport, including City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding from 2027/28.

Bus Franchising

Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority and the Mayor have the power to introduce and implement bus franchising. If taken up this would mean they would decide bus routes, frequencies, hours and days of operation, decisions which are currently largely made by bus operators.

Housing and planning

Brownfield Funding

Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority receives funding to bring neglected urban land back into use. This will support the building of new homes. The Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority will be able to prioritise the housing needs of the local community.

Land Assembly and Compulsory Purchase Order

Compulsory purchase is a legal mechanism by which certain bodies (known as ‘acquiring authorities’ and in this case the Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority) can acquire land without the consent of the owner. Compulsory purchase powers support the delivery of a range of development, regeneration and infrastructure projects in the public interest, bringing about improvements to social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Each case is different and depending on the circumstances, compensation for some or all of your land that is taken can be claimed. See further information on compulsory purchase.

Mayoral Development Corporation

A Mayoral Development Corporation is a statutory organisation which has a range of powers to support regeneration and economic development in a defined area.

Affordable Homes Programme

Following confirmation that Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority is eligible for a Level 4 Devolution agreement, in partnership with Homes England it will be able to set the overall strategic direction, objectives and local leadership for the deployment of the Affordable Homes Programme from 2026. This will be subject to wider considerations such as value for money, alignment with national priorities, delivery track record and the ability to operate effectively in the local market.

Strategic Planning Powers

The Mayor has a duty to produce a strategic plan which will guide the amount, location and type of development which is needed across the region. It can cover all types of development such as housing, employment, retail and leisure, as well as the infrastructure needed to support any such development and the identification of areas or environments that should be protected. The plan can also set out policies to guide how development should come forward. The plan must be unanimously supported by all the local councils in Liverpool City Region before it can be adopted. Once adopted, all the local plans of councils within the combined authority must generally conform with the Mayor’s Plan.

London

If you live in London^{[footnote 2]} your institution with devolved powers is: Greater London Authority.

Mayor: Sadiq Khan (since 2016)

• The next mayoral election is in May 2024.
• The Greater London Authority covers the 32 boroughs in London and the City of London. If you live in any of these areas you will be able to vote for the Mayor and Members of the London Assembly.
• The 25 member London Assembly scrutinises the work of the Mayor.

Powers

Police and Crime

The Mayor is responsible for holding the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to account, setting the police and crime objectives for the Metropolitan police force area, ensuring the police force budget is spent where it matters most, and setting the amount on your council tax bill that contributes to the running of the police force in your area.

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan police is appointed by His Majesty the King on the advice of the Home Secretary, having had regard to any recommendations from the Mayor of London. The Mayor can, with the Home Secretary’s approval, suspend or call on the Commissioner to resign.

Fire and Rescue Service

The Mayor is responsible for oversight of London Fire Brigade, including setting its overall annual budget of London Fire Brigade, holding the London Fire Commissioner to account, and approving the London Fire Brigade’s Community Risk Management Plan. The Mayor is also responsible for appointing and if necessary, and with the approval of the Home Secretary, suspending the London Fire Commissioner, and has a general power of direction over the delivery of the fire and rescue service

Civil Contingencies

Chapter 9 of the Cabinet Office guidance Emergency Preparedness, which accompanies the Civil Contingencies Act (2004), sets out the responsibilities of the Mayor and the Greater London Authority in preparing for and managing emergencies in London. The Greater London Authority is a Category 1 responder under the Act, and as such is required to assess risks for the capital, plan for emergencies, and warn and inform the public.

The Greater London Authority is responsible for providing the secretariat of the London Resilience Forum, the pan-London multi-agency partnership. It must also produce, maintain, and publish a city-wide risk assessment and produce and test plans to manage specific emergencies.

Business Rate Retention

London has and increased business rates retention arrangement in place which effectively amounts to it retaining a 67% local share of business rates growth, rather than a 50% arrangement under the national scheme. The share between the Greater London Authority and its constituent boroughs is set: the Greater London Authority retains 37% of business rates collected, with London boroughs and the City of London Corporation retaining 30%. This is done in a cost neutral way when implemented. However, locally retained business rates are still subject to fixed redistribution across local government through ‘tariffs’ and ‘top-up’ payments. Funds collected through the business rates retention scheme contributes towards the cost of maintaining local services such as transport.

Business rate Supplement

Since 2010 an additional 2 pence supplement has also been applied on business rates bills for the ratepayers of larger properties with a rateable value above £75,000 in London. The income from this is used to help finance and repay the Greater London Authority’s borrowing for its £7 billion contribution towards the cost of constructing The Elizabeth Line - the major rail link that connects central London to Reading and Heathrow airport in the West and Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the East. They are collected by the 32 boroughs and the City of London Corporation on behalf of the Mayor.

Set Precepts

Each year, the Mayor of London sets the level of an additional charge, known as the Greater London Authority ‘precept’, that goes towards funding services provided by the Greater London Authority. On your annual council tax bill, this will appear as the ‘Greater London Authority’. The Mayor is also responsible for the Police Precept.

The City of London has its own police force, so taxpayers there do not pay the element of council tax which funds the Metropolitan Police Service.

Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy

A Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy applies to most new developments in London granted planning permission on or after 1 April 2012.

The income from this is used to help finance and repay the Greater London Authority’s borrowing for its £7 billion contribution towards the cost of constructing The Elizabeth Line - the major rail link that connects central London to Reading and Heathrow airport in the West and Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the East. The levy is collected by local planning authorities on behalf of the Mayor.

General Power of Competence

The Mayor has the power to do anything which he considers will further the main purposes of the Greater London Authority. These include the promotion of economic development and wealth creation, social development or the improvement of the environment within Greater London.

Economic growth and investment

Budget

The Mayor of London sets the annual budget for the Greater London Authority (including the London Assembly) and its 5 functional bodies. These are: Transport for London; the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime – which oversees the work of the Metropolitan Police Service; the London Fire Commissioner who has overall responsibility for the London Fire Brigade, the London Legacy Development Corporation which administers Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation which is delivering the regeneration programme linked to the proposed new High Speed 2 rail terminus at Old Oak Common in West London.

Skills, education and jobs

Adult Education Budget

The government has delegated certain powers and funding to the Mayor of London to deliver adult education services in the capital. As part of this agreement, the Mayor will be carrying out the delegated functions where appropriate through the Greater London Authority which receives an annual allocation to provide funding for training and education designed to help people aged 19 and over move into work, apprenticeships or further education.

Career Hubs

The Greater London Authority receives funding to host Careers Hubs in London. The 4 London Careers Hubs bring together schools, colleges, and employers, helping young people connect to local skills and economic needs through a responsive careers education programme.

Growth Hubs

The Greater London Authority receives funding from central government to help co-ordinate and deliver certain local business support services. A London Business Hub (Grow London) is currently delivered by the capital’s business growth and destination agency, known as London & Partners.

Transport

Transport for London (TfL)

The Mayor is responsible for setting the overall transport strategy, budget and fares for services controlled by Transport for London. Transport for London in turn receives income and funding from a variety of sources, including from central government to maintain and upgrade London’s transport system. A transport commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day operation and planning of London’s transport system.

Transport for London Road Network

The Mayor of London, acting through Transport for London, is responsible for London’s key roads commonly known as ‘red routes’. This network of major roads makes up around 5% of the capital’s road network but carries up to 30% of the city’s traffic.

Housing and planning

Spatial Planning

The Mayor has a duty to produce a strategic plan which will guide the amount, location and type of development which is needed across the region. It can cover all types of development such as housing, employment, retail and leisure, as well as the infrastructure needed to support any such development and the identification of areas or environments that should be protected. The plan can also set out policies to guide how development should come forward. Once adopted, all the local plans of councils within the combine authority must generally conform with the Mayor’s Plan. In London the Mayor’s Strategic Plan is known as the London Plan and was last updated in 2021.

Applications of potential strategic importance

The Mayor has powers to intervene in planning applications of ‘potential strategic importance’ submitted to London boroughs. The Mayor also has the power to issue Mayoral Development Orders to grant planning permission at specified sites in Greater London.

Land Assembly and Compulsory Purchase Powers

Compulsory purchase is a legal mechanism by which certain bodies such as the Greater London Authority can acquire land without the consent of the owner. These bodies are commonly referred to as ‘acquiring authorities’. Compulsory purchase powers support the delivery of a range of development, regeneration and infrastructure projects in the public interest, bringing about improvements to social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Each case is different and depending on the circumstances, compensation for some or all of your land can be claimed. See further information on compulsory purchase.

Mayoral Development Corporation

Following required consultation, the Mayor of London has the power to designate mayoral development areas in Greater London and request that the Secretary of State establishes a Mayoral Development Corporation to deliver the regeneration of the area.

The GLA Group includes 2 Mayoral Development Corporations (London Legacy and Old Oak and Park Royal). These corporations, created through the Mayor’s powers, temporarily assume planning powers from the boroughs in which they operate to strategically deliver economic development and regeneration projects.

Affordable Homes Programme

The Mayor of London is responsible for administering the Affordable Homes Programme in London. The Greater London Authority assesses and awards grant funding to investment partners operating across London to deliver affordable homes. The government has provided the Mayor with £4 billion of funding to fund the construction of affordable homes in the capital between 2021 and 2026.

Housing and Regeneration

The Mayor is responsible for setting a Housing Strategy for London, which must set out his vision for housing and the policies and proposals that will achieve it. On behalf of the Mayor, the Greater London Authority delivers that plan which includes the housing and regeneration functions that, elsewhere in England are carried out by Homes England; the government’s housing and regeneration agency.

Health

Health Inequalities

Under the Greater London Act 2007, the Greater London Authority has a statutory responsibility relating to health inequalities, which includes a requirement for the Mayor to produce a Health Inequalities strategy. The strategy contains the Mayor’s proposals and policies for promoting the reduction of health inequalities between persons living in Greater London. “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^{[footnote 3]}.

North East

If you live in the North East, your institution with devolved powers is: North East Mayoral Combined Authority. This is a Mayoral Combined Authority.

• The first election for the Mayor is due to take place in May 2024.
• The North East Mayoral Combined Authority is due to replace the North of Tyne and the non-mayoral North East Combined Authorities. It now includes the following local council areas: County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland. If you live in any of these areas you will be able to vote for the Mayor.

Powers

Business Rate Supplement

This business rates supplement is an additional charge which county councils, unitary district councils, the Greater London Authority and certain Combined Authorities can levy on local ratepayers to fund additional investment aimed at promoting economic development.

Set Precepts

The Mayor will be able to add an additional charge to your council tax bill to support their activities. On your bill, this will appear as the ‘Mayoral General Precept’. This will not come into effect until 2025.

Economic growth and investment

Investment Fund

The Mayor and Mayoral Combined Authority will take control of a long-term fund for 30 years, to invest in projects that contribute to economic growth. They can also use this funding to bring in further investment from elsewhere. Typically, this fund is used to support large infrastructure projects, such as transport or housing developments but the Mayor and the Mayoral Combined Authority can choose to use it to address other local priorities.

Single Pots, Funding Consolidation and Single Settlements

Following confirmation that the North East Mayoral Combined Authority is eligible for a Level 4 Devolution Agreement, the government will offer a ‘consolidated pot’ at the next multi-year Spending Review. This will cover funding associated with local growth and place and housing and regeneration. The North East Mayoral Combined Authority will also be offered further funding consolidation for Transport (see below). These changes will allow for better planning over the long term and give the North East Mayoral Combined Authority greater freedom to take the right decisions for the local area.

This pot will also act as a stepping stone to the full trailblazer-style Single Settlement. Following successful delivery of the Consolidated Pot, and learning from the Trailblazer areas, the North East Mayoral Combined Authority will then become eligible to receive a Single Settlement covering the broader set of devolved spending areas from the subsequent multi-year Spending Review (i.e. the one after they receive the first Consolidated Pots).

Skills, education and jobs

Adult Skills (including Adult Education Budget)

The Adult Education Budget provides funding for training and education designed to help people aged 19 and over move into work, or further education. The North East Mayoral Combined Authority will begin receiving Adult Education Budget funding for training and education across the North East Mayoral Combined Authority area from the start of academic year 2024/25.

Following the announcement of the North East Deeper Devolution Deal, the Authority will also have the flexibility to decide how to spend Free Courses for Jobs and Skills Bootcamps funding to support residents to get the skills they need to find work.

Careers Hubs

The North East Mayoral Combined Authority receive funding to host the Careers Hub in the North East. Careers Hubs bring together schools, colleges, and employers, helping young people connect to local skills and economic needs through a responsive careers education programme.

Transport

Local Transport Functions

The North East Mayoral Combined Authority will be responsible for local transport functions and for setting overall transport priorities for the area.

Consolidated Transport Settlement

The Mayor will be responsible for a consolidated local transport budget for the North East. The ambition is for this consolidated local transport budget to include all funding allocated to the North East for local transport, including City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding from 2027/28.

Buses Franchising

The North East Mayoral Combined Authority and Mayor will have the power to introduce and implement bus franchising. If taken up this would mean they would decide bus routes, frequencies, hours and days of operation, decisions which are currently largely made by bus operators.

Housing and planning

Brownfield Funding

The newly formed North East Mayoral Combined Authority will receive funding from 2024/2025 to bring neglected urban land back into use. This will be an addition to the funding previously given to the North of Tyne Combined Authority. This will support the building of new homes whereby the North East Mayoral Combined Authority will be able to prioritise the housing needs of the local community.

Land Assembly and Compulsory Purchase Powers

Compulsory purchase is a legal mechanism by which certain bodies (known as ‘acquiring authorities’ and in this case the North East Mayoral Combined Authority) can acquire land without the consent of the owner. Compulsory purchase powers support the delivery of a range of development, regeneration and infrastructure projects in the public interest, bringing about improvements to social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Each case is different and depending on the circumstances, compensation for some or all of your land that is taken can be claimed. See further information on compulsory purchase.

Mayoral Development Corporation

A Mayoral Development Corporation is a statutory organisation which has a range of powers to support regeneration and economic development in a defined area.

Affordable Homes Programme

Once the Level 4 Trailblazer Devolution Deal with the North East Mayoral Combined Authority is implemented, in partnership with Homes England it will be able to set the overall strategic direction, objectives and local leadership for the deployment of the Affordable Homes Programme from 2026. This will be subject to wider considerations such as value for money, alignment with national priorities, delivery track record and the ability to operate effectively in the local market.

South Yorkshire

If you live in South Yorkshire^{[footnote 4]}, your institution with devolved powers is: South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. This is a Mayoral Combined Authority. 

Mayor: Oliver Coppard (since 2022) 

• The government is bringing forward the mayoral election in South Yorkshire to May 2024 to coincide with the transfer of the Police and Crime Commissioner functions to the Mayor. There will be an election in May 2024, then every 4 years thereafter, for a Mayor who will exercise Police and Crime Commissioner functions.
• The Mayoral Combined Authority includes the councils of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. If you live in any of these areas you will be able to vote for the Mayor.

Powers

Police and Crime

The government is transferring Police and Crime Commissioner functions to the Mayor from the May 2024 elections. This means that the Mayor will be responsible for setting the police and crime objectives for the area, appointing and if necessary, dismissing the Chief Constable, ensuring the police force budget is spent where it matters most, and setting the amount on your council tax bill that contributes to the running of the police force in your area.

Set Precepts

The Mayor can add an additional charge to your council tax bill to support their activities. On your bill, this will appear as the ‘Mayoral General Precept’. In South Yorkshire this funding cannot currently be used for transport matters. As Police and Crime Commissioner, the Mayor will also be responsible for the Police Precept.

Economic growth and investment

Investment Funds

The Mayor and Mayoral Combined Authority have control of a long-term fund for 30 years, to invest in projects that contribute to economic growth. They can also use this funding to bring in further investment from elsewhere. Typically, this fund is used to support large infrastructure projects, such as transport lines and housing developments, but the Mayor and the Mayoral Combined Authority can choose to use it to address any local priorities.

Single Pots, Funding Consolidation and Single Settlement

Following confirmation that the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is eligible for a Level 4 Devolution Agreement, the government will offer a ‘consolidated pot’ following the next multi-year Spending Review. This will cover funding associated with local growth and place and housing and regeneration. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority will also be offered further funding consolidation for Transport (see below). These changes will allow for better planning over the long term and give the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority greater freedom to take the right decisions for the local area.

This pot will also act as a stepping stone to the full trailblazer-style Single Settlement. Following successful delivery of the Consolidated Pot, and learning from the Trailblazer areas, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority will then become eligible to receive a Single Settlement covering the broader set of devolved spending areas from the subsequent multi-year Spending Review (i.e. the one after they receive the first Consolidated Pots).

Skills, education and jobs

Adult Skills (including Adult Education Budget)

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority receives an annual allocation of the Adult Education Budget. This provides funding for training and education designed to help people aged 19 and over move into work, apprenticeships or further education.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority will have the flexibility to decide how to spend Free Courses for Jobs and Skills Bootcamps funding to support residents to get the skills they need to find work.

Career Hubs

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority receive funding to host the Careers Hub in South Yorkshire. Careers Hubs bring together schools, colleges, and employers, helping young people connect to local skills and economic needs through a responsive careers education programme.

Growth Hubs

Growth Hubs are core funded by government to provide local businesses with advice and access to support for any stage of the business journey, via a free and impartial single point of contact - bringing together national and local support offers from across the public and private sector to simplify the business support landscape for both businesses and providers.

Transport

Local Transport Functions

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority will be responsible for local transport functions and for setting overall transport priorities for the area.

Consolidated Transport Funding

The Mayor will be responsible for a consolidated local transport budget for the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. The ambition is for this budget to include all funding allocated to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority for local transport, including City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding from 2027/28.

Bus Franchising

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the Mayor have the power to introduce and implement bus franchising. If taken up this would mean they would decide bus routes, frequencies, hours and days of operation, decisions which are currently largely made by bus operators.

Housing and planning

Brownfield Funding

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority receives funding to bring neglected urban land back into use. This will support the building of new homes. The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority will be able to prioritise the housing needs of the local community.

Land Assembly and Compulsory Purchase Powers

Compulsory purchase is a legal mechanism by which certain bodies (known as ‘acquiring authorities’ and in this case the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority) can acquire land without the consent of the owner. Compulsory purchase powers support the delivery of a range of development, regeneration and infrastructure projects in the public interest, bringing about improvements to social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Each case is different and depending on the circumstances, compensation for some or all of your land taken can be claimed. See further information on compulsory purchase.

Mayoral Development Corporation

A Mayoral Development Corporation is a statutory organisation which has a range of powers to support regeneration and economic development in a defined area.

Affordable Homes Programme

Following confirmation that the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is eligible for a Level 4 Devolution agreement, in partnership with Homes England it will be able to set the overall strategic direction, objectives and local leadership for the deployment of the Affordable Homes Programme in their respective regions from 2026. This will be subject to wider considerations such as value for money, alignment with national priorities, delivery track record and the ability to operate effectively in the local market.

Tees Valley

If you live in Tees Valley, your institution with devolved powers is: Tees Valley Combined Authority. This is a Mayoral Combined Authority.

Mayor: Lord Ben Houchen (since 2017) 

• The next mayoral election is in May 2024.
• The Mayoral Combined Authority includes the councils of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees. If you live in any of these areas you will be able to vote for the Mayor.

Economic growth and investment

Investment Funds

From 2016-17, the Mayor and Combined Authority have control of a long-term fund for 30 years, to invest in projects that contribute to economic growth. They can also use this funding to bring in further investment from elsewhere. Typically, this fund is used to support large infrastructure projects, such as transport and housing developments, but the Mayor and the Combined Authority can choose to use it to address any local priorities.

Infrastructure Levy

The Mayor can ask for an additional payment of up to £0.02p on the pound from local businesses to raise funds for infrastructure projects that will promote economic development.

Skills, education and jobs

Adult Education Budget

Tees Valley Combined Authority receives an annual allocation of the Adult Education Budget. This provides funding for training and education designed to help people aged 19 and over move into work, apprenticeships or further education.

Career Hubs

Tees Valley Combined Authority receive funding to host the Careers Hub in Tees Valley. Careers Hubs bring together schools, colleges, and employers, helping young people connect to local skills and economic needs through a responsive careers education programme.

Growth Hubs

Growth Hubs are core funded by government to provide local businesses with advice and access to support for any stage of the business journey, via a free and impartial single point of contact – bringing together national and local support offers from across the public and private sector to simplify the business support landscape for both businesses and providers.

Transport

Local Transport Functions

Tees Valley Combined Authority is responsible for local transport functions and for setting overall transport priorities for the area.

Consolidated Transport Funding

Since 2022/23, government has provided a 5-year City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement to the Tees Valley Combined Authority. This long term funding has enabled the Combined Authority to plan ahead and use resources more effectively to improve transport. Funding for a further 5-year settlement has also been confirmed for 2027/28-2031/32.

Bus Franchising

Tees Valley Combined Authority and the Mayor have the power to introduce and implement bus franchising. If taken up this would mean they would decide bus routes, frequencies, hours and days of operation, decisions which are currently largely taken by bus operators.

Housing and planning

Brownfield Funding

Tees Valley Combined Authority receives funding to bring neglected urban land back into use. This will support the building of new homes. The Tees Valley Combined Authority will be able to prioritise the housing needs of the local community.

Mayoral Development Corporation

A Mayoral Development Corporation is a statutory organisation which has a range of powers to support regeneration and economic development in a defined area. In Tees Valley, the Mayor has established the South Tees Development Corporation, Middlesbrough Development Corporation and Hartlepool Development Corporation.

West Midlands

If you live in the West Midlands, your institution with devolved powers is: West Midlands Combined Authority. This is a Mayoral Combined Authority.

Mayor: Andy Street CBE (since 2017)

• The next mayoral election is in May 2024.
• The Mayoral Combined Authority includes the councils of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. If you live in any of these areas you will be able to vote for the Mayor.
• West Midlands Combined Authority also has non-constituent member councils from the wider region with a more limited role, but residents in those areas cannot vote for the  Mayor of the West Midlands.

Powers

100% Business Rate Retention

100% business rate retention arrangements mean that local councils retain all business rates collected in their areas. This means locally collected taxes can be spent on local services and that if local councils are successful in growing their economy, they can keep the additional business rates. This is done in a cost neutral way as enhanced business rates retention replaces government grants of the same value.

Set Precepts

The Mayor can add an additional charge to your council tax bill to support their activities. On your bill, this will appear as the ‘Mayoral General Precept’.

Economic growth and investment

Investment Funds

The Mayor and Combined Authority has control of a long-term fund over 30 years to invest in projects that contribute to economic growth. They can also use this funding to bring in further investment from elsewhere. Typically, this fund is used to support large infrastructure projects, such as transport or housing developments, but the Mayor and the Combined Authority can choose to use it to address any local priorities.

Single Settlement

Government has committed to provide a single funding settlement for West Midlands Combined Authority to fund 5 policy areas: local growth and place; transport; housing and regeneration; and adult skills priorities, as well as piloting retrofitting buildings. This will give West Midlands Combined Authority the flexibility and independence they need to deliver for the area. This is subject to the next Spending Review and West Midlands Combined Authority meeting certain conditions.

Skills, education and jobs

Adult Education Budget

West Midlands Combined Authority receives an annual allocation of the Adult Education Budget. This provides funding for training and education designed to help people aged 19 and over move into work, apprenticeships or further education.

Career Hubs

West Midlands Combined Authority receive funding to host the Careers Hub in the West Midlands. Careers Hubs bring together schools, colleges, and employers, helping young people connect to local skills and economic needs through a responsive careers education programme.

Growth Hubs

Growth Hubs are core funded by government to provide local businesses with advice and access to support for any stage of the business journey, via a free and impartial single point of contact - bringing together national and local support offers from across the public and private sector to simplify the business support landscape for both businesses and providers.

Contracted Employment Programmes

West Midlands Combined Authority will co-design and deliver (subject to readiness conditions being met) all future contracted employment programmes, excluding exceptional circumstances where the Department for Work and Pensions reserves the right to adopt a national approach. This provides the West Midlands the opportunity to work alongside the Department for Work and Pensions, using their local expertise to support employment outcomes in the labour market.

Transport

Local Transport Functions

West Midlands Combined Authority is responsible for local transport functions and for setting overall transport priorities for the area.

Consolidated Transport Funding

Since 2022/23, government has provided a 5-year City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement to the West Midlands Combined Authority. This long term funding has enabled the West Midlands Combined Authority to plan ahead and use resources more effectively to improve transport. Funding for a further 5-year settlement has also been confirmed for 2027/28-2031/32.

From 2027/28, this funding will become part of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Single Settlement mentioned above.

Bus Franchising

In addition to their local transport functions, the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Mayor have the power to introduce and implement bus franchising. If taken up, would mean they would decide bus routes, frequencies, hours and days of operation, decisions which are currently largely made by bus operators.

Housing and planning

Brownfield Funding

West Midlands Combined Authority receives funding to bring neglected urban land back into use. This will support the building of new homes. The West Midlands Combined Authority will be able to prioritise the housing needs of the local community.

Land Assembly and Compulsory Purchase Powers

Compulsory purchase is a legal mechanism by which certain bodies (known as ‘acquiring authorities’ and in this case the West Midlands Combined Authority) can acquire land without the consent of the owner. Compulsory purchase powers support the delivery of a range of development, regeneration and infrastructure projects in the public interest, bringing about improvements to social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Each case is different and depending on the circumstances, compensation for some or all of your land can be claimed. See further information on compulsory purchase.

Mayoral Development Corporation

A Mayoral Development Corporation is a statutory organisation which has a range of powers to support regeneration and economic development in a defined area.

Affordable Homes Programme

Once the Trailblazer Devolution Deal is implemented, West Midlands Combined Authority will have more control over how funding to build affordable homes is used in the West Midlands.

West Yorkshire

If you live in West Yorkshire^{[footnote 5]}, your institution with devolved powers is: West Yorkshire Combined Authority. This is a Mayoral Combined Authority.

Mayor: Tracy Brabin (since 2021) 

• The next mayoral election is in May 2024.
• The Mayoral Combined Authority includes the councils of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield. If you live in any of these areas you will be able to vote for the Mayor.

Powers

Policing and Crime

The Mayor is also the Police and Crime Commissioner for the area. This means the Mayor is responsible for setting the police and crime objectives for the area, appointing and if necessary dismissing the Chief Constable, ensuring the police force budget is spent where it matters most, and setting the amount on your council tax bill that contributes to the running of the police force in your area.

Business Rate Retention

This is a tax levied on occupiers of non-domestic properties, based on annual rental values, which is used to fund local services.

Set Precepts

The Mayor can add an additional charge to your council tax bill to support their activities. On your bill, this will appear as the ‘Mayoral General Precept’. As Police and Crime Commissioner, the Mayor is also responsible for the Police Precept.

Economic growth and investment

Investment Funds

Since 2020/21 the Mayor and Combined Authority have control of a long-term fund for 30 years, to invest in projects that contribute to economic growth. They can also use this funding to bring in further investment from elsewhere. Typically, this fund is used to support large infrastructure projects, such as transport or housing developments, but the Mayor and the Combined Authority can choose to use it to address any local priorities.

Single Pots, Funding Consolidation and Single Settlement

Following confirmation that the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is eligible for a Level 4 Devolution Agreement, the government will offer a ‘consolidated pot’ at the next multi-year Spending Review. This will cover funding associated with local growth and place and housing and regeneration. West Yorkshire Combined Authority will also be offered further funding consolidation for Transport (see below). These changes will allow for better planning over the long term and give the West Yorkshire Combined Authority greater freedom to take the right decisions for the local area.

This pot will also act as a stepping stone to the full trailblazer-style Single Settlement. Following successful delivery of the Consolidated Pot, and learning from the Trailblazer areas, West Yorkshire Combined Authority will then become eligible to receive a Single Settlement covering the broader set of devolved spending areas from the subsequent multi-year Spending Review (i.e. the one after they receive the first Consolidated Pots).

Skills, education and jobs

Adult Skills (including Adult Education Budget)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority receives an annual allocation of the Adult Education Budget. This provides funding for training and education designed to help people aged 19 and over move into work, apprenticeships or further education.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority will have the flexibility to decide how to spend Free Courses for Jobs and Skills Bootcamps funding to support residents to get the skills they need to find work.

Career Hubs

West Yorkshire Combined Authority receive funding to host the Careers Hub in West Yorkshire. Careers Hubs bring together schools, colleges, and employers, and employers, helping young people connect to local skills and economic needs through a responsive careers education programme.

Growth Hubs

Growth Hubs are core funded by government to provide local businesses with advice and access to support for any stage of the business journey, via a free and impartial single point of contact - bringing together national and local support offers from across the public and private sector to simplify the business support landscape for both businesses and providers.

Transport

Local Transport Functions

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is responsible for local transport functions and for setting overall transport priorities for the area.

Consolidated Transport Funding

The Mayor will be responsible for a consolidated local transport budget for West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The ambition is for this consolidated local transport budget to include all funding that is allocated to West Yorkshire Combined Authority for local transport, including City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding from 2027/28.

Bus Franchising

West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Mayor have the power to introduce and implement bus franchising. If taken up this would mean they decide bus routes, frequencies, hours and days of operation, decisions which are largely made by bus operators.

Housing and planning

Brownfield Funding

West Yorkshire Combined Authority receives funding from government to bring neglected urban land back into use. This will support the building of new homes. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority will be able to prioritise the housing needs of the local community.

Land Assembly and Compulsory Purchase Powers

Compulsory purchase is a legal mechanism by which certain bodies (known as ‘acquiring authorities’ and in this case the West Yorkshire Combined Authority) can acquire land without the consent of the owner. Compulsory purchase powers support the delivery of a range of development, regeneration and infrastructure projects in the public interest, bringing about improvements to social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Each case is different and depending on the circumstances, compensation for some or all of your land that is taken can be claimed. See further information on compulsory purchase.

Mayoral Development Corporation

A Mayoral Development Corporation is a statutory organisation which has a range of powers to support regeneration and economic development in a defined area.

Affordable Homes Programme

Following confirmation that the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is eligible for a Level 4 Devolution agreement, in partnership with Homes England it will be able to set the overall strategic direction, objectives and local leadership for the deployment of the Affordable Homes Programme in their respective regions from 2026. This will be subject to wider considerations such as value for money, alignment with national priorities, delivery track record and the ability to operate effectively in the local market.

York and North Yorkshire

If you live in York and North Yorkshire, your institution with devolved powers is: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. This is a Mayoral Combined Authority.

• The first election for the directly elected Mayor is scheduled for May 2024.
• The Mayoral Combined Authority includes City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council. 
• If you live in areas covered by the City or York Council or North Yorkshire Council you will be able to vote for the Mayor.

Powers

Police and Crime

Once elected, your Mayor will also be the Police and Crime Commissioner for your area. This means the Mayor will be responsible for setting the police and crime objectives for the area, appointing and if necessary dismissing the Chief Constable, ensuring the police force budget is spent where it matters most, and setting the amount on your council tax bill that contributes to the running of the police force in your area.

Fire and Rescue

Your Mayor will be the Fire and Rescue Authority for your area. This means the mayor is responsible for setting the fire and rescue objectives for the area, appointing and if necessary dismissing the Chief Fire Officer, and ensuring fire and rescue service budgets are spent where it matters most.

Business Rate Supplement

This business rates supplement is an additional charge which county councils, unitary district councils, the Greater London Authority and certain Combined Authorities can levy on local ratepayers to fund additional investment aimed at promoting economic development.

Set Precepts

The Mayor will be able to add an additional charge to your council tax bill to support their activities. On your bill, this will appear as the ‘Mayoral General Precept’.

Economic growth and investment

Investment Fund

The Mayor and Combined Authority will take control of a long-term fund for 30 years, to invest in projects that contribute to economic growth. They can also use this funding to bring in further investment from elsewhere. Typically, this fund is used to support large infrastructure projects, such as transport or housing developments, but the Mayor and the Combined Authority can choose to use it to address any local priorities.

Skills, education and jobs

Adult Education Budget

The Adult Education Budget provides funding for training and education designed to help people aged 19 and over move into work. York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority will begin receiving Adult Education Budget funding from the academic year 2025/26.

Careers Hubs

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority receive funding to host the Careers Hub in York and North Yorkshire. Careers Hubs bring together schools, colleges, and employers, helping young people connect to local skills and economic needs through a responsive careers education programme.

Transport

Local Transport Functions

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority will be responsible for local transport functions and for setting overall transport priorities for the area.

Consolidated Transport Budget

The Mayor will be responsible for a consolidated local transport budget for York and North Yorkshire to improve transport in the area. Exactly which funding streams are included will be agreed as part of the next Spending Review, but the ambition is to include local highways maintenance funding and funding for small transport improvement projects.

Bus Franchising

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Mayor will have the power to introduce and implement bus franchising. If taken up this would mean they would decide bus routes, frequencies, hours and days of operation, decisions which are currently largely made by bus operators.

Housing and planning

Brownfield Funding

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority will receive funding from 2024/2025 to bring neglected urban land back into use. This will support the building of new homes. The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority will be able to prioritise the housing needs of the local community.

Land Assembly and Compulsory Purchase Powers

Compulsory purchase is a legal mechanism by which certain bodies (known as ‘acquiring authorities’ and in this case the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority) can acquire land without the consent of the owner. Compulsory purchase powers support the delivery of a range of development, regeneration and infrastructure projects in the public interest, bringing about improvements to social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Each case is different and depending on the circumstances, compensation for some or all of your land taken can be claimed. See further information on compulsory purchase.

Mayoral Development Corporation

A Mayoral Development Corporation is a statutory organisation which has a range of powers to support regeneration and economic development in a defined area.

1. On Friday 1 March 2024, government announced that Liverpool City Region is eligible for Level 4 devolution. Government will now work with Liverpool City Region to implement the commitments in the Level 4 devolution framework. New powers will need to be approved by Parliament before they can be used. ↩

2. A number of other local initiatives are delivered or funded by the Mayor of London using general powers held under section 30 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (GLA Act) which enable the authority to do anything which it considers will further any one or more of its principal purposes of: (a) promoting economic development and wealth creation in Greater London; (b) promoting social development in Greater London; and (c) promoting the improvement of the environment in Greater London. ↩

3. “General health determinants” are (a) standards of housing, transport services or public safety, (b) employment prospects, earning capacity and any other matters that affect levels of prosperity, (c) the degree of ease or difficulty with which persons have access to public services, (d) 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. ↩

4. On Friday 1 March 2024, government announced that South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is eligible for Level 4 devolution. Government will now work with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to implement the commitments in the Level 4 devolution framework. New powers will need to be approved by Parliament before they can be used. ↩

5. On Friday 1 March 2024, government announced that West Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is eligible for Level 4 devolution. Government will now work with West Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to implement the commitments in the Level 4 devolution framework. New powers will need to be approved by Parliament before they can be used. ↩