Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to Question 108227 on Combined Authorities: Surrey, whether other strategic authorities will be given the transport and adult skill functions held by county councils; and whether its role will include adult social care.

The English Devolution framework and legislation set out the powers and functions to be held by strategic authorities.

Where they exist, strategic authorities become the Local Transport Authority and exercise some public transport functions, including bus franchising and responsibility for developing and implementing an area-wide Local Transport Plan. Local Authorities remain the Highways Authority for their areas. Strategic authorities are also responsible for the core Adult Skills Fund. When a new strategic authority is created, they will be conferred with the relevant functions and funding. In some cases there is a transition period where functions are held concurrently between the SA and LAs for a period.

The devolution framework does not confer any social care powers on strategic authorities. Local authorities will retain responsibility for social care provision and the changes brought about by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will not alter this in any way.