Overview

• The Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill introduced last week would grant new Mayoral Strategic Authorities powers over transport, housing, skills, infrastructure and long-term investment funds.
• Sussex and Brighton’s approved combined county authority will bring together upper-tier councils to oversee regional planning, economic development and public service reforms.
• Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness councils have passed the government’s statutory devolution tests, qualifying them to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
• Cumbria’s request to align its inaugural mayoral election with the local vote cycle secured approval, pushing the first poll back to May 2027 to optimise preparation and resources.
• Local leaders and ministers are now finalising governance arrangements and a 30-year investment fund framework to underpin the devolved powers.