Combined authority

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

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

There are currently 17 such authorities, predominantly in areas where they are considered likely to improve transport, economic development, and regeneration. The first CA was established for Greater Manchester in 2011, and since 2022 the UK government has increased its support for their creation. The two most recent, as of February 2026, are Cumbria and Cheshire and Warrington.