Combined authorities
The power to create combined authorities was introduced in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.
Combined authorities are legal structures that can be created by two or more local authorities in England to undertake joint functions. They are created by the Secretary of State at the request of the local authorities following a review process. The Secretary of State must consult the authorities, and must be satisfied that the combined authority will contribute to economic development and transport policy.
Authorities may also be removed from the combined authority, or the combined authority may be abolished by statutory instrument.
Combined authorities must include membership from all local authorities in its area, they cannot include part of a county council area or any enclaves.
Combined authorities can take on transport and economic development functions. The membership and functions of combined authorities is specified in the order that creates them. They also have a general power of competence introduced by the Localism Act 2011 which allows the transfer of public functions to ‘permitted bodies’.
Existing combined authorities include; the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, West Yorkshire, Sheffield and Liverpool and the North-East combined authority.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Government departments' responsibility for construction.
- Local planning authority.
- Localism act.
- Planning authority.
- Metropolitan counties.
- Uk.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.