Proposals to amend legislation relating to combined authorities and economic prosperity boards

The government has recognised that councils establishing combined authorities or economic prosperity boards under the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 can be an effective way of collaborating across a functional economic area. Through joining together to form a combined authority, councils can integrate their work on economic development, regeneration and transport. Similarly, through joining together to form an economic prosperity board, councils can integrate their work on economic development and regeneration. The opportunity to establish a combined authority or economic prosperity board is an important element of the government’s policies for growth.

This consultation invites comment on certain proposed changes to the legislation relating to combined authorities and economic prosperity boards, changes which the government considers would ensure that the legislation is capable of giving full effect to the government’s localist policy on combined authorities and economic prosperity boards.

This consultation will run until 24 June 2014, and seeks views from all principal local authorities, all existing combined authorities, all local enterprise partnerships, the Local Government Association, the Confederation of British Industry, the Institute of Directors and any individual who wishes to comment.