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Devolution Priority Programme
17 July 2025
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement discusses the confirmation of Mayoral Strategic Authorities in six areas of England under the Devolution Priority Programme.
Action Requested
Legislation will be brought before Parliament in early 2026 to establish these authorities, with mayoral elections scheduled for May 2026 and May 2027. Funding certainty is also promised through 30-year investment funds as part of the English Devolution White Paper.
Key Facts
- The Devolution Priority Programme launched in February this year.
- Six areas will have Mayoral Strategic Authorities established: Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Greater Essex, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton.
- Legislation for establishment of new authorities will be laid early in 2026.
- Four inaugural mayoral elections are planned for May 2026.
- Cumbria and Cheshire & Warrington's elections will align with the majority of local elections in May 2027.
- The English Devolution White Paper promises 30-year investment funds to these areas upon creation.
- The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill would move future mayoral elections to Supplementary Vote system, relevant from proposed 2027 elections onwards.
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