📜 Delegated Legislation Committee

General Committees

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In a pivotal parliamentary session, new combined authorities were proposed for Devon and Torbay, Greater Lincolnshire, Hull and East Yorkshire, and Lancashire, aiming to enhance local governance and economic growth. The government’s plan includes shifting power from Westminster to these regions, with some adopting elected mayors to spearhead development. Discussions focused on funding and accountability, ensuring that local taxes and borrowing remain transparent and manageable. The session concluded with unanimous support for the establishment of these authorities, marking a significant step in the devolution of power across England.

Summary

  • The Second Delegated Legislation Committee discussed four draft statutory instruments related to the establishment of new combined authorities and combined county authorities in different regions of England:
    • Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority Regulations 2024
    • Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025
    • Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority Order 2025
    • Lancashire Combined County Authority Regulations 2024

  • The Government laid these instruments before Parliament in November and December 2024 as part of their commitment to devolve powers and drive economic growth.

  • The new authorities will be established the day after the statutory instruments are made, with Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire choosing to have elected mayors, with elections scheduled for May 2025.

  • These combined authorities will take on new public and local authority functions such as transport, regeneration, and education and skills, with additional funding available from the adult skills fund starting from the 2026-27 academic year.

  • The transition to these new authorities involved consultations that took place between December 2023 and March 2024 to gather input from the public, businesses, and local stakeholders.

  • Concerns were raised about the management of precepts and potential debts of the new authorities. The Minister clarified that precepts offer transparency to taxpayers, and borrowing by combined authorities will be capped by His Majesty’s Treasury.

  • The Minister also discussed the potential use of the local government pension scheme to support local investment, while acknowledging the fiduciary duties of pension fund trustees and the need for investable products.

  • The Committee resolved to approve all four draft statutory instruments, marking significant steps in the devolution journey for these areas.

Divisiveness

The disagreement displayed in the session was minimal. While there were some points of inquiry and clarification, the exchanges remained cooperative and lacked any significant conflict or opposition. The overall tone was one of support and constructive dialogue, with the opposition expressing broad support for the measures and not seeking to divide the Committee.

Examples of potential disagreement: - Lewis Cocking (Broxbourne) (Con) asked for clarification on the government’s approach to two-tier versus unitary council areas in the context of creating combined authorities. This was more of a question seeking clarification rather than presenting a disagreement. - David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) (Con) raised concerns about precept limits, council tax referendum limits, debt handling, and the implications of the local government pension scheme reforms. However, these were posed as questions and concerns rather than direct opposition to the measures.

In both instances, the Minister, Jim McMahon, responded thoroughly and in a cooperative manner, emphasizing the government’s approach and reasoning without conflict or rebuttal from the Committee members. The opposition’s lack of intention to divide the Committee further supports the low level of disagreement, hence justifying a rating of 1.