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 have certain devolved functions transferred to them from central government via the establishment of new combined authorities (CAs) or combined county authorities (CCAs).
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.
Summary , the status of the programme is as follows: Authority StatusConstituent councils Created First election Cheshire and Warrington CA Formally established, awaiting mayoral powers None Made 24 February 2026 2027 Cumbria CA Formally established, awaiting mayoral powers None Made 24 February 2026 2027 Greater Essex CCA Not yet formally established Yes Expected 2026 Expected 2028 Hampshire and the Solent CCA Formally established, awaiting mayoral powers Yes Made 4 June 2026 2028 Norfolk and Suffolk CCA Not yet formally established Yes Expected 2026 Expected 2028 Sussex and Brighton CCA Formally established, awaiting mayoral powers Yes Made 26 March 2026 2028
See also Upcoming structural changes to local government in England
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