The Government has announced the first six authorities eligible to receive single funding settlements.
Greater Manchester and the West Midlands Combined Authorities will receive integrated settlements from 2025-26, with the North East, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Liverpool City Region eligible from 2026-27, the Budget has confirmed.
The Government will also ‘explore how the integrated settlement policy could be applied for the Greater London Authority' in 2026-27.
Budget documents confirmed single settlements will only be granted to authorities that have existed for at least 18 months and ‘have a track record of managing major programmes', with those that have been the subject of intervention such as Best Value Notices or ‘material accounting concerns' being ineligible.
It said it would give mayors ‘meaningful control over funding' and improve the ‘fragmented funding landscape'.
Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram (pictured) said the announcement showed the process was ‘graduating from decentralisation to true devolution'.
He added: ‘Devolution isn't just about powers; it's a partnership – and with today's commitments, we're seeing the government embrace the value of working closely with regions to drive prosperity and opportunity for all.'
Fabian Society Interim General Secretary Luke Raikes added: ‘These integrated settlements show the government means business on devolution.
‘This local flexibility and control will mean stronger regional and national economies.'
Mayors are awaiting more detail on local growth plans, but the Government said they would help regions to ‘take advantage of their economic potential and foster clusters of well paid jobs'.
The Government is minded to cease funding for ‘functions previously delivered by Local Enterprise Partnerships and the Business Board Network', however, and it will consult on ending funding for pan regional partnerships.
The Budget also included announcements of £200m for City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements, 100% business rates retention for the West of England, Cornwall and Liverpool City Region and 67% retention for the Greater London Authority in 2025-26.
The North East Mayoral Combined Authority will also receive £25m to remediate the Crown Works Studio site.
This story first appeared on themj.co.uk.
