“17A The functions of CCAs

A CCA has the functions that are conferred by—

(a)

this Chapter or any regulations under this Chapter,

(b)

any regulations under Schedule 25 to the English Devolution
and Community Empowerment Act 2026, or

(c)

any other enactment (whenever passed or made).”

“Functions of combined authorities

103A The functions of combined authorities

A combined authority has the functions that are conferred by—

(a)

this Part or any order under this Part,

(b)

any regulations under Schedule 25 to the English Devolution
and Community Empowerment Act 2026, or

(c)

any other enactment (whenever passed or made).”

“13A Decision-making

(1)

This section applies to any decision of a CCA.

(2)

A decision of a non-mayoral CCA is to be made by a simple majority
of the voting members present and voting on that question at a meeting of the CCA.

(3)

A decision of a mayoral CCA is to be made by a simple majority of
the voting members present and voting on that question at a meeting of the CCA; and such a majority must include the mayor, or the deputy mayor acting in place of the mayor.

(4)

But if—

(a)

the office of mayor is vacant, and

(b)

there is no deputy mayor,

the decision is to be made by a simple majority of the voting members present and voting on that question at a meeting of the CCA.

(5)

On a decision of any CCA—

(a)

each voting member has one vote;

(b)

in the case of a tied vote—

(i)

no person has a casting vote; and

(ii)

the CCA must be regarded as having disagreed to the
question that the decision should be made.

(6)

Subsections (1) to (5) are subject to provision made in any other
enactment (whenever passed or made).

(7)

That includes regulations under this Chapter or under Schedule 25 to
the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.

(8)

In this section “voting member” means—

(a)

in relation to a decision of a non-mayoral CCA—

(i)

a person appointed by a constituent council to be a
member of the CCA (a “constituent member”) or a person acting as a member of the CCA in the absence of the constituent member, and

(ii)

a non-constituent member (within the meaning of
section 11) who is a voting member in relation to the decision by virtue of a resolution under section 11(4) or a person acting as a member of the CCA in the absence of the non-constituent member;

(b)

in relation to a decision of a mayoral CCA—

(i)

a person appointed by a constituent council to be a
member of the CCA (a “constituent member”) or a person acting as a member of the CCA in the absence of the constituent member,

(ii)

a non-constituent member (within the meaning of
section 11) who is a voting member in relation to the decision by virtue of a resolution under section 11(4) or a person acting as a member of the CCA in the absence of the non-constituent member, and

(iii)

the mayor, or the deputy mayor acting in place of the
mayor.

13B Validity of proceedings

(1)

The proceedings of a CCA are not invalidated—

(a)

by any vacancy—

(i)

among its members or substitute members, or

(ii)

(in the case of a mayoral CCA) in the office of deputy
mayor, or

(b)

by any defect in the appointment or qualifications of—

(i)

any member or substitute member, or

(ii)

(in the case of a mayoral CCA) of the deputy mayor.

(2)

In this section “substitute member” means a person appointed to act
as a member in the absence of another member.”

“104CA Decision-making

(1)

This section applies to any decision of a combined authority.

(2)

A decision of a non-mayoral combined authority is to be made by a
simple majority of the voting members present and voting on that question at a meeting of the combined authority.

(3)

A decision of a mayoral combined authority is to be made by a simple
majority of the voting members present and voting on that question at a meeting of the combined authority; and such a majority must include the mayor, or the deputy mayor acting in place of the mayor.

(4)

But if—

(a)

the office of mayor is vacant, and

(b)

there is no deputy mayor,

the decision is to be made by a simple majority of the other voting members present and voting on that question at a meeting of the combined authority.

(5)

On a decision of any combined authority—

(a)

each voting member has one vote;

(b)

in the case of a tied vote—

(i)

no person has a casting vote; and

(ii)

the combined authority must be regarded as having
disagreed to the question that the decision should be made.

(6)

Subsections (1) to (5) are subject to provision made in any other
enactment (whenever passed or made).

(7)

That includes an order under this Part or regulations under Schedule 25 to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.

(8)

In this section “voting member” means—

(a)

in relation to a decision of a non-mayoral combined authority—

(i)

a person appointed by a constituent council to be a
member of the combined authority (a “constituent member”) or a person acting as a member of the combined authority in the absence of the constituent member, and

(ii)

a non-constituent member (within the meaning of
section 104A) who is a voting member in relation to the decision by virtue of a resolution under section 104A(4) or a person acting as a member of the combined authority in the absence of the non-constituent member;

(b)

in relation to a decision of a mayoral combined authority—

(i)

a person appointed by a constituent council to be a
member of the combined authority (a “constituent member”) or a person acting as a member of the combined authority in the absence of the constituent member,

(ii)

a non-constituent member (within the meaning of
section 104A) who is a voting member in relation to the decision by virtue of a resolution under section 104A(4) or a person acting as a member of the combined authority in the absence of the non-constituent member, and

(iii)

the mayor, or the deputy mayor acting in place of the
mayor.

104CB Validity of proceedings

(1)

The proceedings of a combined authority are not invalidated—

(a)

by any vacancy—

(i)

among its members or substitute members, or

(ii)

(in the case of a mayoral combined authority) in the
office of deputy mayor, or

(b)

by any defect in the appointment or qualifications of—

(i)

any member or substitute member, or

(ii)

(in the case of a mayoral combined authority) of the
deputy mayor.

(2)

In this section “substitute member” means a person appointed to act
as a member in the absence of another member.”

“24C Powers not limited by other provision or powers

(1)

This section applies to a power under this Chapter to make subordinate
legislation (the “SI-making power”) and a CCA if conditions A and B are met.

(2)

Condition A: the SI-making power confers power to make provision
about a particular function or other matter (the “relevant function or matter”) in relation to the CCA.

(3)

Condition B: provision about the relevant function or matter which
relates to the CCA—

(a)

is made by an enactment (whenever passed or made) that is
not subordinate legislation made under this Chapter (the “separate provision”), or

(b)

could be made under a power conferred by an enactment that
is not contained in this Chapter (the “separate power”),

(whether or not that provision also relates to any other CCAs).

(4)

The separate provision or separate power does not limit the
subordinate legislation that may be made under the SI-making power in relation to the CCA.

(5)

In particular, the separate provision or separate power does not prevent
subordinate legislation under the SI-making power from—

(a)

making provision about the relevant function or matter in
relation to the CCA which is to apply instead of the separate provision;

(b)

making modifications or other contrary provision to which the
separate provision is to be subject in its application in relation to the CCA.

(6)

Subsection (4) applies to provision made under the SI-making power
before or after the coming into force of this section.”

“25A Designation as an established mayoral strategic authority

(1)

The Secretary of State may, by regulations, designate a mayoral CCA
as an established mayoral strategic authority.

(2)

The Secretary of State may not designate a mayoral CCA unless the
mayoral CCA has submitted to the Secretary of State a written proposal to be designated (the “designation proposal”).

(3)

The designation proposal must identify—

(a)

any provision—

(i)

that applies in relation to the mayoral CCA,

(ii)

that would not be of general application to the mayoral
CCA if designated, and

(iii)

which the mayoral CCA would like to continue to apply
in relation to it if designated;

(b)

any provision—

(i)

that does not apply in relation to the mayoral CCA,

(ii)

that would not be of general application to the mayoral
CCA, if designated, and

(iii)

which the mayoral CCA would like the Secretary of
State to make (using a power conferred by this Chapter or otherwise) so as to apply in relation to it, if designated.

(4)

If the Secretary of State decides not to designate the mayoral CCA,
the Secretary of State must notify the authority in writing of the reasons for the decision.

(5)

If the Secretary of State decides not to designate the mayoral CCA,
that mayoral CCA may not be designated unless another written proposal to be designated is submitted in accordance with this section.

(6)

A Minister of the Crown must not exercise any power to make
subordinate legislation (whenever conferred) so as to cause a mayoral CCA to cease to be an established mayoral strategic authority.

(7)

That does not limit the making of provision that is—

(a)

in consequence of, or

(b)

otherwise in connection with,

the abolition or merger of an established mayoral strategic authority (whether the abolition or merger is provided for in secondary legislation or an Act of Parliament).

(8)

For the purposes of this section provision would be “of general
application to a mayoral CCA if designated” if the provision is contained in an enactment and applies in relation to—

(a)

all established mayoral strategic authorities, or

(b)

a class of established mayoral strategic authorities which would
include the mayoral CCA if designated.”

“Changes to combined authorities”.

“106B Designation as an established mayoral strategic authority

(1)

The Secretary of State may, by order, designate a mayoral combined
authority as an established mayoral strategic authority.

(2)

The Secretary of State may not designate a mayoral combined authority
unless the mayoral combined authority has submitted to the Secretary of State a written proposal to be designated (the “designation proposal”).

(3)

The designation proposal must identify—

(a)

any provision—

(i)

that applies in relation to the mayoral combined
authority,

(ii)

that would not be of general application to the mayoral
combined authority if designated, and

(iii)

which the mayoral combined authority would like to
continue to apply in relation to it if designated;

(b)

any provision—

(i)

that does not apply in relation to the mayoral combined
authority,

(ii)

that would not be of general application to the mayoral
combined authority, if designated, and

(iii)

which the mayoral combined authority would like the
Secretary of State to make (using a power conferred by this Part or otherwise) so as to apply in relation to it, if designated.

(4)

If the Secretary of State decides not to designate the mayoral combined
authority, the Secretary of State must notify the authority in writing of the reasons for the decision.

(5)

If the Secretary of State decides not to designate the mayoral combined
authority, that mayoral combined authority may not be designated unless another written proposal to be designated is submitted in accordance with this section.

(6)

A Minister of the Crown must not exercise any power to make
subordinate legislation (whenever conferred) so as to cause a mayoral combined authority to cease to be an established mayoral strategic authority.

(7)

That does not limit the making of provision that is—

(a)

in consequence of, or

(b)

otherwise in connection with,

the abolition or merger of an established mayoral strategic authority (whether the abolition or merger is provided for in secondary legislation or an Act of Parliament).

(8)

For the purposes of this section provision would be “of general
application to a mayoral combined authority if designated” if the provision is contained in an enactment and applies in relation to—

(a)

all established mayoral strategic authorities, or

(b)

a class of established mayoral strategic authorities which would
include the mayoral combined authority if designated.”

“29A Appointment of commissioners by the mayor

(1)

The mayor for the area of a CCA may appoint not more than 7
persons—

(a)

to assist the mayor in the exercise of the mayor’s general
functions in relation to the areas of competence, and

(b)

to otherwise assist the mayor in relation to the exercise by the
CCA of functions which relate to the areas of competence.

(2)

A person appointed under this section is referred to in this Chapter
as a “commissioner”.

(3)

Schedule 2A makes provision about commissioners.

(4)

In this section and Schedule 2A “area of competence” has the meaning
given by section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.”

“107CA Appointment of commissioners by the mayor

(1)

The mayor for the area of a combined authority may appoint not more
than 7 persons—

(a)

to assist the mayor in the exercise of the mayor’s general
functions in relation to the areas of competence, and

(b)

to otherwise assist the mayor in relation to the exercise by the
combined authority of functions which relate to the areas of competence.

(2)

A person appointed under this section is referred to in this Part as a
“commissioner”.

(3)

Schedule 5BA makes provision about commissioners.

(4)

In this section and Schedule 5BA “area of competence” has the meaning
given by section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.”

“52A Allowances for members with special responsibilities

(1)

A CCA may—

(a)

make a scheme providing for the payment of allowances to
members of the CCA who have special responsibilities, and

(b)

pay allowances in accordance with the scheme.

(2)

A CCA may only make a scheme if—

(a)

the CCA has considered a report published by a relevant
remuneration panel which contains recommendations for the allowances provided for in the scheme, and

(b)

the allowances payable under the scheme do not exceed the
amounts specified in the recommendations made by the relevant remuneration panel.

(3)

A CCA which has made a scheme under this section must produce
and publish reports on the allowances paid under the scheme (including their amounts).

(4)

In exercising the powers conferred by this section, or complying with
the duty to produce and publish reports, a CCA must take account of any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State.

(5)

In deciding the terms of a report produced for the purposes of this
section, a relevant remuneration panel must take account of any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State.

(6)

If a member of a CCA is entitled to be paid—

(a)

an allowance under this section, and

(b)

an allowance or other payment by a constituent council,

in respect of the same special responsibilities, the amount payable under this section is to be reduced by the amount payable by the constituent council (and the amount payable under this section is to be reduced to nil if it is smaller than the amount payable by the constituent council).

(7)

Regulations under section 10(1) (about the constitutional arrangements
of a CCA) may not prevent or otherwise affect the exercise of the power to pay an allowance under this section; but this section does not otherwise limit the power conferred by section 10(1).

(8)

In this section—

“
relevant remuneration panel”, means a panel that is specified,
or of a description specified, in regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section;

“
special responsibilities”, in relation to a member of CCA, means
any responsibilities which the member has in addition to the general responsibilities of being a member of the CCA.”

“113E Allowances for members with special responsibilities

(1)

A combined authority may—

(a)

make a scheme providing for the payment of allowances to
members of the combined authority who have special responsibilities, and

(b)

pay allowances in accordance with the scheme.

(2)

A combined authority may only make a scheme if—

(a)

the combined authority has considered a report published by
a relevant remuneration panel which contains recommendations for the allowances provided for in the scheme, and

(b)

the allowances payable under the scheme do not exceed the
amounts specified in the recommendations made by the relevant remuneration panel.

(3)

A combined authority which has made a scheme under this section
must produce and publish reports on the allowances paid under the scheme (including their amounts).

(4)

In exercising the powers conferred by this section, or complying with
the duty to produce and publish reports, a combined authority must take account of any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State.

(5)

In deciding the terms of a report produced for the purposes of this
section, a relevant remuneration panel must take account of any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State.

(6)

If a member of a combined authority is entitled to be paid—

(a)

an allowance under this section, and

(b)

an allowance or other payment by a constituent council,

in respect of the same special responsibilities, the amount payable under this section is to be reduced by the amount payable by the constituent council (and the amount payable under this section is to be reduced to nil if it is smaller than the amount payable by the constituent council).

(7)

An order under section 104(1)(a) (about the constitutional arrangements
of a combined authority) may not prevent or otherwise affect the exercise of the power to pay an allowance under this section; but this section does not otherwise limit the power conferred by section 104(1)(a).

(8)

In this section—

“
relevant remuneration panel” means a panel that is specified, or
of a description specified, in an order made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section;

“
special responsibilities” in relation to a member of combined
authority, means any responsibilities which the member has in addition to the general responsibilities of being a member of the CCA.”

“(9A)

These are the requirements to obtain consent from the Secretary of
State which apply to the exercise of the power conferred by section 1 on a mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA—

(a)

if the combined authority or CCA had the power to borrow
under section 1 before the applicable commencement day, it does not need to obtain consent from the Secretary of State before any exercise of the power to borrow;

(b)

if the combined authority or CCA did not have the power to
borrow under section 1 before the applicable commencement day—

(i)

it does not need to obtain consent from the Secretary
of State before any exercise of the power to borrow money for a purpose relevant to its transport, police or fire and rescue functions;

(ii)

it must obtain consent from the Secretary of State before
the first exercise of the power to borrow money for a purpose relevant to a function other than its transport, police or fire and rescue functions;

(iii)

once it has obtained consent in accordance with
sub-paragraph (ii) (in relation to any kind of function), it does not need to obtain any further consent under that sub-paragraph (whether in relation to the same kind, or a different kind, of function).

(9B)

In this section—

“
applicable commencement day” means the day on which section 12 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment
Act 2026 comes into force;

“
non-mayoral CCA” means a CCA other than a mayoral CCA;

“
non-mayoral combined authority” means a combined authority
other than a mayoral combined authority;

“
transport, police or fire and rescue functions”, in relation to a
mayoral combined authority or mayoral CCA, means—

(a)

transport functions of the combined authority or CCA,

(b)

functions of a police and crime commissioner exercisable
by the mayor for the area of the combined authority or CCA, and

(c)

functions of a fire and rescue authority exercisable by
the mayor for the area of the combined authority or CCA.”

“(8)

A combined authority established under section 103 of the Local
Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 is to be treated as a levying body for the purposes of this section.

(8A)

A combined authority has (by virtue of this subsection) power to issue
to its constituent councils a levy under this section in respect of any chargeable financial year to meet relevant transport costs in relation to that year which are not otherwise met (for example by the issuing of a precept).

(8B)

That power is to be exercised in accordance with regulations made
under subsection (2).

(8C)

Regulations under subsection (2) may be made conferring on a
combined authority power to issue to its constituent councils and in accordance with the regulations a levy under this section in respect of any chargeable financial year, but only to meet costs that are not relevant transport costs.”

“(15)

A combined county authority established under section 9(1) of the
Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 is to be treated as a levying body for the purposes of this section.

(15A)

A combined county authority has (by virtue of this subsection) power
to issue to its constituent councils a levy under this section in respect of any chargeable financial year to meet relevant transport costs in relation to that year which are not otherwise met (for example by the issuing of a precept).

(15B)

That power is to be exercised in accordance with regulations made
under subsection (2).

(15C)

Regulations under subsection (2) may be made conferring on a
combined county authority power to issue to its constituent councils and in accordance with the regulations a levy under this section in respect of any chargeable financial year, but only to meet costs that are not relevant transport costs.”

“21B Disqualification from being the Mayor: members of legislatures

(1)

A person is disqualified from being the Mayor if the person is an
elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom.

(2)

If a person—

(a)

is elected as the Mayor, and

(b)

is, on the first day of the Mayoral term, an elected member of
a legislature in the United Kingdom,

the person is not disqualified under this section from being the Mayor at any time in the period of eight days beginning with the first day of the Mayoral term.

(3)

If a person—

(a)

becomes an elected member of a legislature in the United
Kingdom, and

(b)

is, when the person becomes the elected member, the Mayor,

the person is not disqualified under this section from being the Mayor at any time in the period of eight days beginning with the day on which the person becomes the elected member of the legislature.

(4)

In this section—

“
elected member of a legislature in the United Kingdom” means
a member of—

(a)

the House of Commons;

(b)

the Scottish Parliament;

(c)

Senedd Cymru;

(d)

the Northern Ireland Assembly;

“
first day of the Mayoral term”, in relation to a person who is
elected as the Mayor, means the day that would be the first day of the person’s term as the Mayor if it is assumed that the person is not disqualified under this section.”

“Collaboration

17B Mayoral power to convene meetings with local partners

(1)

The mayor for the area of a CCA may convene meetings with local
partners to consider relevant local matters.

(2)

In exercising the function of convening meetings, a mayor must have
regard to any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State.

(3)

If a mayor notifies a local partner that the mayor intends to convene
a meeting under this section with that local partner, the local partner must respond to the notification.

(4)

In responding to a notification given by a mayor, a local partner must
have regard to any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State.

(5)

In this section—

“
local partner” means a person specified, or of a description
specified, in regulations made by the Secretary of State;

“
relevant local matter”, in relation to the mayor for the area of a
CCA, means a matter which relates both to—

(a)

the area of the CCA, and

(b)

one or more of the areas of competence set out in
section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.”

“103B Mayoral power to convene meetings with local partners

(1)

The mayor for the area of a combined authority may convene meetings
with local partners to consider relevant local matters.

(2)

In exercising the function of convening meetings, a mayor must have
regard to any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State.

(3)

If a mayor notifies a local partner that the mayor intends to convene
a meeting under this section with that local partner, the local partner must respond to the notification.

(4)

In responding to a notification given by a mayor, a local partner must
have regard to any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State.

(5)

In this section—

“
local partner” means a person specified, or of a description
specified, in regulations made by the Secretary of State;

“
relevant local matter”, in relation to the mayor for the area of a
combined authority, means a matter which relates both to—

(a)

the area of the combined authority, and

(b)

one or more of the areas of competence set out in
section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.”

“Collaboration

40B Mayor’s power to convene meetings with local partners

(1)

The Mayor may convene meetings with local partners to consider
relevant local matters.

(2)

In exercising the function of convening meetings, the Mayor must
have regard to any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State.

(3)

If the Mayor notifies a local partner that the Mayor intends to convene
a meeting under this section with that local partner, the local partner must respond to the notification.

(4)

In responding to a notification given by the Mayor, a local partner
must have regard to any guidance issued for this purpose by the Secretary of State.

(5)

In this section—

“
local partner” means a person specified, or of a description
specified, in regulations made by the Secretary of State;

“
relevant local matter”, in relation to the Mayor of London, means
a matter which relates both to—

(a)

Greater London, and

(b)

one or more of the areas of competence set out in
section 2 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026.”

“17C Request to collaborate

(1)

The mayor for the area of a CCA (“mayor A”) may make a request to
another elected mayor (“mayor B”) for the mayors to collaborate in relation to a matter relating to one or more areas of competence.

(2)

A collaboration request must specify—

(a)

the matter on which mayor A wants the mayors to collaborate,
and

(b)

the way in which mayor A wants the mayors to collaborate.

(3)

Mayor A may make a collaboration request only if mayor A considers
that the requested collaboration would be likely to improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of—

(a)

some or all of the people who live or work in mayor A’s area,
or

(b)

some or all of the people who live or work in mayor A’s area
and some or all of the people who live or work in mayor B’s area.

(4)

Mayor A may make a collaboration request only if mayor A’s area
adjoins mayor B’s area.

(5)

A collaboration request must be in writing.

(6)

Mayor A must publish, in such manner as the mayor thinks
appropriate, any collaboration request which the mayor makes.

(7)

The mayors for the areas of CCAs must have regard to any guidance
issued by the Secretary of State in exercising powers, and complying with duties, under this section.

(8)

Section 17E makes provision about collaboration requests made by,
or to, two or more elected mayors.

(9)

In this section, section 17D and section 17E —

“
area of competence” has the same meaning as in the English
Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (see section 2 of that Act);

“
collaboration request” means a request made under subsection (1) ;

“
elected mayor” means—

(a)

the mayor for the area of a CCA,

(b)

the mayor for the area of a combined authority, or

(c)

the Mayor of London;

“
mayor A” has the meaning given in subsection (1) ;

“
mayor A’s area” means the area for which mayor A is the mayor;

“
mayor B” has the meaning given in subsection (1) ;

“
mayor B’s area” means the area for which mayor B is the mayor.

17D Responding to a collaboration request

(1)

In a case where a collaboration request is made to mayor B, the mayor
must—

(a)

consider the collaboration request and decide how to respond,

(b)

set out the response in writing,

(c)

give the response to mayor A, and

(d)

publish, in such manner as the mayor thinks appropriate, the
response.

(2)

In considering the collaboration request and deciding how to respond,
mayor B must have regard to the economic, social and environmental well-being of some or all of the people who live or work in mayor B’s area.

(3)

If mayor B decides not to agree to the collaboration request, or any
part of it, mayor B must—

(a)

give the reasons for that decision, and

(b)

include the reasons in the response to mayor A.

(4)

Mayors to whom collaboration requests are made must have regard
to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State in exercising the powers, and complying with the duties, under this section.

17E Collaboration requests made by or to several mayors

(1)

Two or more elected mayors (the “requesting mayors”) may make a
collaboration request to a single elected mayor (the “potential collaborating mayor”) if—

(a)

at least one of the requesting mayors is the mayor for the area
of a CCA, and

(b)

each requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test.

(2)

For that purpose, a requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test
if that area—

(a)

adjoins every other requesting mayor’s area, and

(b)

adjoins the potential collaborating mayor’s area.

(3)

If two or more elected mayors make a collaboration request to a single
elected mayor—

(a)

sections 17C and 17D apply in relation to each of the requesting
mayors separately, and

(b)

accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to
a particular requesting mayor, “mayor A” means that mayor.

(4)

A single mayor for the area of a CCA (the “requesting mayor”) may
make a collaboration request to two or more elected mayors (the “potential collaborating mayors”) if each potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour test.

(5)

For that purpose, a potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the
neighbour test if that area adjoins the requesting mayor’s area.

(6)

If a single mayor for the area of a CCA makes a collaboration request
to two or more elected mayors—

(a)

sections 17C and 17D apply in relation to each of the potential
collaborating mayors separately, and

(b)

accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to
a particular potential collaborating mayor, “mayor B” means that mayor.

(7)

Two or more elected mayors (the “requesting mayors”) may make a
collaboration request to two or more elected mayors (the “potential collaborating mayors”) if—

(a)

at least one of the requesting mayors is the mayor for the area
of a CCA,

(b)

each requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test, and

(c)

each potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour
test.

(8)

For the purposes of subsection (7) , a requesting mayor’s area meets
the neighbour test if that area—

(a)

adjoins every other requesting mayor’s area, and

(b)

adjoins every potential collaborating mayor’s area.

(9)

For the purposes of subsection (7) , a potential collaborating mayor’s
area meets the neighbour test if that area adjoins every requesting mayor’s area.

(10)

If two or more elected mayors make a collaboration request to two or
more elected mayors—

(a)

sections 17C and 17D apply in relation to each of the requesting
mayors separately, and

(b)

accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to
a particular requesting mayor, “mayor A” means that mayor;

(c)

sections 17C and 17D apply in relation to each of the potential
collaborating mayors separately, and

(d)

accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to
a particular potential collaborating mayor, “mayor B” means that mayor.

(11)

In this section—

“
potential collaborating mayor’s area” means the area for which
a potential collaborating mayor is the mayor;

“
requesting mayor’s area” means the area for which a requesting
mayor is the mayor.”

“103C Request to collaborate

(1)

The mayor for the area of a combined authority (“mayor A”) may
make a request to another elected mayor (“mayor B”) for the mayors to collaborate in relation to a matter relating to one or more areas of competence.

(2)

A collaboration request must specify—

(a)

the matter on which mayor A wants the mayors to collaborate,
and

(b)

the way in which mayor A wants the mayors to collaborate.

(3)

Mayor A may make a collaboration request only if mayor A considers
that the requested collaboration would be likely to improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of—

(a)

some or all of the people who live or work in mayor A’s area,
or

(b)

some or all of the people who live or work in mayor A’s area
and some or all of the people who live or work in mayor B’s area.

(4)

Mayor A may make a collaboration request only if mayor A’s area
adjoins mayor B’s area.

(5)

A collaboration request must be in writing.

(6)

Mayor A must publish, in such manner as the mayor thinks
appropriate, any collaboration request which the mayor makes.

(7)

The mayors for the areas of combined authorities must have regard
to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State in exercising powers, and complying with duties, under this section.

(8)

Section 103E makes provision about collaboration requests made by,
or to, two or more elected mayors.

(9)

In this section, section 103D and section 103E —

“
area of competence” has the same meaning as in the English
Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (see section 2 of that Act);

“
collaboration request” means a request made under subsection (1) ;

“
elected mayor” means—

(a)

the mayor for the area of a combined authority,

(b)

the mayor for the area of a combined county authority,
or

(c)

the Mayor of London;

“
mayor A” has the meaning given in subsection (1) ;

“
mayor A’s area” means the area for which mayor A is the mayor;

“
mayor B” has the meaning given in subsection (1) ;

“
mayor B’s area” means the area for which mayor B is the mayor.

103D Responding to a collaboration request

(1)

In a case where a collaboration request is made to mayor B, the mayor
must—

(a)

consider the collaboration request and decide how to respond,

(b)

set out the response in writing,

(c)

give the response to mayor A, and

(d)

publish, in such manner as the mayor thinks appropriate, the
response.

(2)

In considering the collaboration request and deciding how to respond,
mayor B must have regard to the economic, social and environmental well-being of some or all of the people who live or work in mayor B’s area.

(3)

If mayor B decides not to agree to the collaboration request, or any
part of it, mayor B must—

(a)

give the reasons for that decision, and

(b)

include the reasons in the response to mayor A.

(4)

Mayors to whom collaboration requests are made must have regard
to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State in exercising the powers, and complying with the duties, under this section.

103E Collaboration requests made by or to several mayors

(1)

Two or more elected mayors (the “requesting mayors”) may make a
collaboration request to a single elected mayor (the “potential collaborating mayor”) if—

(a)

at least one of the requesting mayors is the mayor for the area
of a combined authority, and

(b)

each requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test.

(2)

For that purpose, a requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test
if that area—

(a)

adjoins every other requesting mayor’s area, and

(b)

adjoins the potential collaborating mayor’s area.

(3)

If two or more elected mayors make a collaboration request to a single
elected mayor—

(a)

sections 103C and 103D apply in relation to each of the
requesting mayors separately, and

(b)

accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to
a particular requesting mayor, “mayor A” means that mayor.

(4)

A single mayor for the area of a combined authority (the “requesting
mayor”) may make a collaboration request to two or more elected mayors (the “potential collaborating mayors”) if each potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour test.

(5)

For that purpose, a potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the
neighbour test if that area adjoins the requesting mayor’s area.

(6)

If a single mayor for the area of a combined authority makes a
collaboration request to two or more elected mayors—

(a)

sections 103C and 103D apply in relation to each of the
potential collaborating mayors separately, and

(b)

accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to
a particular potential collaborating mayor, “mayor B” means that mayor.

(7)

Two or more elected mayors (the “requesting mayors”) may make a
collaboration request to two or more elected mayors (the “potential collaborating mayors”) if—

(a)

at least one of the requesting mayors is the mayor for the area
of a combined authority,

(b)

each requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test, and

(c)

each potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour
test.

(8)

For the purposes of subsection (7) , a requesting mayor’s area meets
the neighbour test if that area—

(a)

adjoins every other requesting mayor’s area, and

(b)

adjoins every potential collaborating mayor’s area.

(9)

For the purposes of subsection (7) , a potential collaborating mayor’s
area meets the neighbour test if that area adjoins every requesting mayor’s area.

(10)

If two or more elected mayors make a collaboration request to two or
more elected mayors—

(a)

sections 103C and 103D apply in relation to each of the
requesting mayors separately, and

(b)

accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to
a particular requesting mayor, “mayor A” means that mayor;

(c)

sections 103C and 103D apply in relation to each of the
potential collaborating mayors separately, and

(d)

accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to
a particular potential collaborating mayor, “mayor B” means that mayor.

(11)

In this section—

“
potential collaborating mayor’s area” means the area for which
a potential collaborating mayor is the mayor;

“
requesting mayor’s area” means the area for which a requesting
mayor is the mayor.”

“40C Request to collaborate

(1)

The Mayor of London (“mayor A”) may make a request to another
elected mayor (“mayor B”) for the mayors to collaborate in relation to a matter relating to one or more areas of competence.

(2)

A collaboration request must specify—

(a)

the matter on which mayor A wants the mayors to collaborate,
and

(b)

the way in which mayor A wants the mayors to collaborate.

(3)

Mayor A may make a collaboration request only if mayor A considers
that the requested collaboration would be likely to improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of—

(a)

some or all of the people who live or work in Greater London,
or

(b)

some or all of the people who live or work in Greater London
and some or all of the people who live or work in mayor B’s area.

(4)

Mayor A may make a collaboration request only if Greater London
adjoins mayor B’s area.

(5)

A collaboration request must be in writing.

(6)

Mayor A must publish, in such manner as the mayor thinks
appropriate, any collaboration request which the mayor makes.

(7)

The Mayor of London must have regard to any guidance issued by
the Secretary of State in exercising powers, and complying with duties, under this section.

(8)

Section 40E makes provision about collaboration requests made by,
or to, two or more elected mayors.

(9)

In this section, section 40D and section 40E —

“
area of competence” has the same meaning as in the English
Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (see section 2 of that Act);

“
collaboration request” means a request made under subsection (1) ;

“
elected mayor” means—

(a)

the Mayor of London,

(b)

the mayor for the area of a combined authority, or

(c)

the mayor for the area of a combined county authority;

“
mayor A” has the meaning given in subsection (1) ;

“
mayor B” has the meaning given in subsection (1) ;

“
mayor B’s area” means the area for which mayor B is the mayor.

40D Responding to a collaboration request

(1)

In a case where a collaboration request is made to mayor B, the mayor
must—

(a)

consider the collaboration request and decide how to respond,

(b)

set out the response in writing,

(c)

give the response to mayor A, and

(d)

publish, in such manner as the mayor thinks appropriate, the
response.

(2)

In considering the collaboration request and deciding how to respond,
mayor B must have regard to the economic, social and environmental well-being of some or all of the people who live or work in mayor B’s area.

(3)

If mayor B decides not to agree to the collaboration request, or any
part of it, mayor B must—

(a)

give the reasons for that decision, and

(b)

include the reasons in the response to mayor A.

(4)

Mayors to whom collaboration requests are made must have regard
to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State in exercising the powers, and complying with the duties, under this section.

40E Collaboration requests made by or to several mayors

(1)

Two or more elected mayors (the “requesting mayors”) may make a
collaboration request to a single elected mayor (the “potential collaborating mayor”) if—

(a)

at least one of the requesting mayors is the Mayor of London,
and

(b)

each requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test.

(2)

For that purpose, a requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test
if that area—

(a)

adjoins every other requesting mayor’s area, and

(b)

adjoins the potential collaborating mayor’s area.

(3)

If two or more elected mayors make a collaboration request to a single
elected mayor—

(a)

sections 40C and 40D apply in relation to each of the requesting
mayors separately, and

(b)

accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to
a particular requesting mayor, “mayor A” means that mayor.

(4)

The Mayor of London (the “requesting mayor”) may make a
collaboration request to two or more elected mayors (the “potential collaborating mayors”) if each potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour test.

(5)

For that purpose, a potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the
neighbour test if that area adjoins Greater London.

(6)

If the Mayor of London makes a collaboration request to two or more
elected mayors—

(a)

sections 40C and 40D apply in relation to each of the potential
collaborating mayors separately, and

(b)

accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to
a particular potential collaborating mayor, “mayor B” means that mayor.

(7)

Two or more elected mayors (the “requesting mayors”) may make a
collaboration request to two or more elected mayors (the “potential collaborating mayors”) if—

(a)

at least one of the requesting mayors is the Mayor of London,

(b)

each requesting mayor’s area meets the neighbour test, and

(c)

each potential collaborating mayor’s area meets the neighbour
test.

(8)

For the purposes of subsection (7) , a requesting mayor’s area meets
the neighbour test if that area—

(a)

adjoins every other requesting mayor’s area, and

(b)

adjoins every potential collaborating mayor’s area.

(9)

For the purposes of subsection (7) , a potential collaborating mayor’s
area meets the neighbour test if that area adjoins every requesting mayor’s area.

(10)

If two or more elected mayors make a collaboration request to two or
more elected mayors—

(a)

sections 40C and 40D apply in relation to each of the requesting
mayors separately, and

(b)

accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to
a particular requesting mayor, “mayor A” means that mayor;

(c)

sections 40C and 40D apply in relation to each of the potential
collaborating mayors separately, and

(d)

accordingly, in the application of those sections in relation to
a particular potential collaborating mayor, “mayor B” means that mayor.

(11)

In this section—

“
potential collaborating mayor’s area” means the area for which
a potential collaborating mayor is the mayor;

“
requesting mayor’s area” means the area for which a requesting
mayor is the mayor.”

“(4A)

Transport for London must consult Network Rail Limited, or a
subsidiary of Network Rail Limited nominated by Network Rail Limited, before seeking from the appropriate person—

(a)

consent under subsection (1) in relation to land used by
Network Rail, or

(b)

consent under subsection (2) in relation to a company in which
is vested land used by Network Rail.

(4B)

The Secretary of State may by regulations—

(a)

amend subsection (4A) by adding or removing a person who
must be consulted under that subsection;

(b)

amend this section to include other requirements for Transport
for London to consult before seeking a consent under this section.”

“(5)

Any consent—

(a)

of the appropriate person under this section may be given in
relation to any particular transaction or description of transactions; and

(b)

of the Secretary of State under this section may be given subject
to conditions.”

““
appropriate person” means—

(a)

in relation to consent under subsection (1)—

(i)

the Mayor of London, in a case where the consent
relates to land which is entirely within Greater London and is not Crown land;

(ii)

the Secretary of State, in case where the consent relates
to any other land;

(b)

in relation to consent under subsection (2)—

(i)

the Mayor of London, in a case where all the operational
land vested in the subsidiary company is entirely within Greater London and is not Crown land;

(ii)

the Secretary of State, in any other case;

“
Crown land” means land in which the Crown has any estate or interest,
or over which the Crown has any right;

“
land used by Network Rail” means—

(a)

land that is used wholly or partly for the provision of network
services by Network Rail; and

(b)

land that is used by Network Rail wholly or partly for a
purpose ancillary or incidental to use of land that falls within paragraph (a);

“
Network Rail” means Network Rail Limited or any subsidiary of
Network Rail Limited;

“
network services” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the Railways
Act 1993 (see section 82 of that Act);”

“(5A)

A statutory instrument containing regulations under section 163 (4B) of this Act may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

“32A Power of strategic authorities to pay grant

(1)

A combined authority or CCA may pay to a constituent council a
grant towards expenditure incurred or to be incurred by it.

(2)

The amount of a grant under this section and the manner of its
payment are to be such as the person paying it may determine.

(3)

A grant under this section may be paid on such conditions as the
person paying it may determine.

(4)

Conditions under subsection (3) may, in particular, include—

(a)

provision as to the use of the grant;

(b)

provision as to circumstances in which the whole or part of
the grant must be repaid.

(5)

Subsection (6) applies where, in exercising a function under this section,
a combined authority or CCA determines an amount of grant to be paid towards expenditure incurred or to be incurred by a constituent council in relation to the exercise of its highway functions.

(6)

In determining that amount, the combined authority or CCA must
have regard to the desirability of ensuring that the constituent council has sufficient funds to facilitate the effective discharge of those highway functions.

(7)

To comply with subsection (6) , the combined authority or CCA must
take into account any other sources of funding available to the constituent council for expenditure incurred or to be incurred in relation to the exercise of its highway functions.

(8)

The functions conferred by this section on a mayoral combined
authority or mayoral CCA are functions of the authority or CCA exercisable only by the mayor on behalf of the authority or CCA.

(9)

In this section—

“
combined authority” means a combined authority established
under section 103 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009;

“
combined county authority” means a combined county authority
established under section 9(1) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023;

“
constituent council” means—

(a)

in relation to a combined authority—

(i)

a county council the whole or any part of whose
area is within the area of the authority, or

(ii)

a district council whose area is within the area
of the authority;

(b)

in relation to a combined county authority—

(i)

a county council for an area within the area of
the authority, or

(ii)

a unitary district council for an area within the
area of the authority;

“
highway functions” means functions exercisable by a constituent
council (in whatever capacity) in relation to the highways for which it is the highway authority;

“
mayoral CCA” has the same meaning as in Chapter 1 of Part 2
of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (see section 27(8) of that Act);

“
mayoral combined authority” has the same meaning as in Part
6 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (see section 107A(8) of that Act).”

“24B Co-operation with local government pension scheme managers

(1)

This section applies where a scheme manager is responsible for
managing and administering part of a scheme for local government workers in England and Wales in relation to a current employee of—

(a)

a constituent council of a CCA, or

(b)

a district council which is not a constituent council where any
part of the area of the council falls within the area of a CCA,

in connection with that employment.

(2)

The CCA must cooperate with the scheme manager to identify and
develop investment opportunities appropriate to the pension fund that the scheme manager maintains for its part of the scheme.

(3)

Where the scheme manager participates in an asset pool company,
the CCA may fulfil its duty to co-operate with the scheme manager under subsection (2) by co-operating with—

(a)

the scheme manager,

(b)

the asset pool company, or

(c)

both the scheme manager and the asset pool company.

(4)

A scheme manager participates in an asset pool company by—

(a)

being a shareholder of the company,

(b)

being a shareholder in another company which is the only
shareholder of the company, or

(c)

contracting with the company for it to manage the funds and
other assets for which the scheme manager is responsible.

(5)

In this section—

“
asset pool company” has the meaning given by section 1(9) of
the Pension Schemes Act 2026;

“
local government worker” has the meaning given by section 37
of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013;

“
scheme” has the meaning given by section 37 of the Public
Service Pensions Act 2013;

“
scheme manager”, in relation to a scheme for local government
workers, means a person who is a scheme manager by virtue of section 4(5) of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 (being a person responsible for the local administration of pensions and other benefits payable under the scheme who maintains a pension fund for the purposes of providing pensions and other benefits under its part of the scheme).”

“403ZA Co-operation with local government pension scheme managers

(1)

The Authority must co-operate with a scheme manager for a scheme
for local government workers in England and Wales who falls within subsection (2) to identify and develop investment opportunities appropriate to the pension fund that the scheme manager maintains for its part of the scheme.

(2)

A scheme manager falls within this subsection if the scheme manager
is—

(a)

the London Pensions Fund Authority, or

(b)

a London borough.

(3)

Where the scheme manager participates in an asset pool company,
the Authority may fulfil its duty to co-operate with the scheme manager under subsection (1) by co-operating with—

(a)

the scheme manager,

(b)

the asset pool company, or

(c)

both the scheme manager and the asset pool company.

(4)

A scheme manager participates in an asset pool company by—

(a)

being a shareholder of the company,

(b)

being a shareholder in another company which is the only
shareholder of the company, or

(c)

contracting with the company for it to manage the funds and
other assets for which the scheme manager is responsible.

(5)

In this section—

“
asset pool company” has the meaning given by section 1 (9) of
the Pension Schemes Act 2026 ;

“
local government worker” has the meaning given by section 37 of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 ;

“
scheme” has the meaning given by section 37 of the Public
Service Pensions Act 2013 ;

“
scheme manager”, in relation to a scheme for local government
workers, means a person who is a scheme manager by virtue of section 4(5) of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 (being a person responsible for the local administration of pensions and other benefits payable under the scheme who maintains a pension fund for the purposes of providing pensions and other benefits under its part of the scheme).”

“Combined authorities: health

107ZB Health improvement and health inequalities duty

(1)

When considering whether or how to exercise any of its functions, a
combined authority must have regard to the need to—

(a)

improve the health of persons in the combined authority’s area,
and

(b)

reduce health inequalities between persons living in the
combined authority’s area.

(2)

When considering whether or how to exercise any function, the mayor
for the area of a combined authority must have regard to the considerations set out in subsection (1) .

(3)

Health inequalities “between persons” living in an area means health
inequalities between persons, or persons of different descriptions, living in, or in different parts of, an area.

(4)

“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.

(5)

“General health determinants” are—

(a)

standards of housing, transport services or public safety,

(b)

environmental factors, including air quality and access to green
space and bodies of water,

(c)

employment prospects, earning capacity and any other matters
that affect levels of prosperity,

(d)

the degree of ease or difficulty with which persons have access
to public services,

(e)

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.

(6)

In subsection (1) (a) , the reference to improving the health of persons
includes a reference to mitigating any detriment to health which would otherwise be occasioned by the exercise of a combined authority’s function.

(7)

In subsection (1) (b) , the reference to reducing health inequalities
includes a reference to mitigating any increase in health inequalities which would otherwise be occasioned by the exercise of a combined authority’s function.”