Combined authority

A combined authority is a type of local government institution introduced in England outside Greater London by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. Combined authorities are created voluntarily and allow a group of local authorities to pool appropriate responsibility and receive certain delegated functions from central government in order to deliver transport and economic policy more effectively over a wider area. In areas where local government is two-tier, both must participate in the combined authority.

A combined county authority (CCA) is similar, but may only be formed by upper-tier authorities: county councils and unitary authorities. The members of the CCA are appointed by its constituent councils. In addition, the CCA may appoint additional members and allow another body to nominate members; these members are non-voting unless decided otherwise. They were introduced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.

Combined authorities are created in areas where they are considered likely to improve transport, economic development, and regeneration. There are currently eleven such authorities, created between 2011 and 2024.