CAs are created voluntarily and allow a group of local authorities to pool appropriate responsibility and receive certain devolved functions from central government in order to deliver transport and economic policy more effectively over a wider area.

In October 2010 the Coalition Government introduced measures to replace regional development agencies, which were described as inefficient and costly.

[4] Following the unsuccessful English mayoral referendums in 2012, combined authorities have been used as an alternative means to grant additional powers and funding as part of 'city deals'.

[citation needed] In 2020, it was reported that other combined authorities for non-metropolitan parts of the country – such as Cumbria, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, and Somerset – were under consideration, but the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on governance meant decisions were delayed until late 2021.

[5][6][7] A government white paper was published, on the 2 February 2022, which included nine invited areas to go into devolution deal negotiations:[8][9] The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, announced in his 2023 budget speech that "trailblazer deals" had been struck with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and West Midlands Combined Authority which included reforms to their funding models.

[12] In return, the CAs would face greater oversight, including quarterly scrutiny sessions by new committees of local MPs.

In December 2024 the Starmer ministry published a white paper which is expected to lead to the creation of further combined authorities.

In early 2022, Devon, Plymouth and Torbay were selected as one of nine pilot areas in England by the UK government in the Levelling Up White Paper for "County Deal" negotiations.

[17] Devon and Torbay proceeded without Plymouth with a joint proposal for a Level 2 Devolution Deal, a Combined Authority without a directly elected mayor.

[22] Negotiations have begun with government on a deal, with leaders of both unitary authorities indicating a preference for a rotating chair instead of a mayor.

The three proposed successor authorities would cover the northern and coastal, central and southern, and eastern and Pennine areas.

[30][31][32] All potential constituent authorities have reviewed plans created by the county council, and are now "studying the detail of the white paper and its implications for driving forward our devolution aspirations”.

[19][36] The deal proposes to devolve certain powers, i.e. housing, transport, education and skills as well as environmental matters to GLCCA.

[41][42] The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 allowed for certain functions over transport to be delegated from central government.

[46] The act allowed for the introduction of directly elected mayors to combined authorities in England and Wales with powers over housing, transport, planning, and policing.

[48] These have been tentatively suggested to be a 'Great South West' grouping of Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset[48] (possibly with Somerset[49]), and another in Lancashire.

CAs and CCAs are bodies corporate and are able to assume the role of an integrated transport authority and economic prosperity board.

By 2015, Greater Manchester Combined Authority had agreed loans from the European Investment Bank in excess of £1 billion,[53] with similar liabilities to the Treasury and private business.

Following a period of consultation and subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, the CA or CCA is formally created, dissolved, or altered by a statutory instrument.

[77] Warrington's Chief Executive has “received a letter from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities” with hopes for a ministerial meeting.

[80][81][82] As the initial plan for the unitarization was based on the assumption of a county-level combined authority to manage adult and children's services, the deal has been prioritized.

A separate deal was also proposed for a "South Essex" Combined Authority, covering Southend, Thurrock, Basildon, Castlepoint, Brentwood, and Rochford.

[85][86][87] The Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government stated in a letter that he did not favour the plan for a South Essex Combined Authority, but would be willing to discuss it.

[93][94] In 2021 a new plan including Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole was being pursued, though lacking appetite for a mayor.

[8] In 2024 a plan was put forward for an elected mayor and a combined authority including Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton;[95] Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council opting not to participate instead favouring joining Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire in the Heart of Wessex proposal.

It is part of a long-term ambition to create a combined authority[104][105] Cornwall remains in negotiations for a separate deal.

[8] Whilst not included in current plans, discussions are ongoing between local authorities and the government on an eventual deal.

[8] Whilst not included in current plans, discussions are occurring between local authorities and the government on an eventual deal.