The Devolution Priority Programme was announced by the UK government in 2025 in line with the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The areas included within the programme will gain additional powers via new combined authorites.

History

In February 2025 six areas were announced for the programme. In December 2025, mayoral elections were delayed from 2026 to 2028 in four of the priority programme areas. If February 2026, two of the six combined authorities were formally established through secondary legislation.

Summary

As of March 2026[update], the status of the programe is as follows:

Combined authorityStatusDevolution areaLGRS.I.CreatedFirst electionRef.
Cheshire and WarringtonFormally established, awaiting mayoral powersCheshire EastCheshire West and ChesterWarringtonNoneMade24 February 20262027
CumbriaFormally established, awaiting mayoral powersCumberlandWestmorland and FurnessNoneMade24 February 20262027
Greater EssexNot yet formally establishedEssexThurrockSouthend-on-SeaYesExpected 2026Expected 2028
Hampshire and the SolentNot yet formally establishedHampshireIsle of WightPortsmouthSouthamptonYesExpected 2026Expected 2028
Norfolk and SuffolkNot yet formally establishedNorfolkSuffolkYesExpected 2026Expected 2028
Sussex and BrightonFormally established, awaiting mayoral powersBrighton and HoveEast SussexWest SussexYesMade26 March 20262028

See also