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Written question asked by Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative) on Thursday, 13 February 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2025. It was answered by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 February 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Combined Authorities

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, whether (a) combined authorities and (b) combined county authorities will have different (i) funding and (ii) powers.

Answer

We will create in law the concept of a Strategic Authority, with three levels. Foundation Strategic Authorities, Mayoral Strategic Authorities and Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities. A Strategic Authority will typically be a combined authority, combined county authority or, in London, the Greater London Authority. The powers and funding areas receive will depend on which level of Strategic Authority it is, not whether it is a combined authority or a combined county authority.

Local authorities, including combined authorities, are responsible for their own borrowing and investment decisions but must do so within the framework of legislation and guidance designed to support borrowing that is prudent, affordable and sustainable. The government has responsibility for the framework and uses information and data from a range of sources to monitor sector behaviour, including levels of borrowing and debt, to determine if changes to the framework are needed to better constrain risk. Where excessive risk from borrowing practices is identified in an individual authority, the government will take direct action if necessary.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
31493
Session
2024-26
Related items
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Finance Local government Powers Combined authorities Reorganisation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk