The UK government has launched a public consultation as part of its devolution strategy to establish Combined County Authorities (CCAs).

Each CCA will consist of a mayor and members from constituent authorities, with the option to appoint non-constituent members from other organizations.

In Essex, the CCA will consist of a mayor, seven constituent members from local councils, and seven non-constituent members.

CCAs will be supported by a 30-year 'Investment Fund' for long-term planning and will have the ability to levy council tax to fund local priorities.

In Norfolk and Suffolk, the proposed CCA will include a mayor, two representatives from each county council, and up to four non-constituent members.

Public responses to the consultation are due by mid-April 2025, after which ministers will decide on the legislation for mayoral elections scheduled for May 2026.

Although public consultation is legally required, the overarching framework for these changes seems predetermined, providing citizens a chance to influence specific aspects of the plans.

This shift in governance will allow for better local control over housing, regeneration, and transport initiatives, as funding will be transferred from central government to the CCAs.

As part of this initiative, the government is also reorganizing local government into unitary authorities, with proposals expected by late September 2025.

These CCAs will represent the new top tier of local government, gaining authority over critical areas such as transport, education, and housing to promote economic growth and social wellbeing.

Each CCA will be led by a directly elected mayor, who will have a personal mandate from voters and a casting vote in decision-making processes, thereby enhancing local representation.

The CCAs will be structured in three tiers, starting with East Anglia at the lowest tier, which allows for gradual empowerment as they advance.