Devolution Priority Programme
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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.[1] In December 2025, mayoral elections were delayed from 2026 to 2028 in four of the priority programme areas.[2] If February 2026, two of the six combined authorities were formally established through secondary legislation.[3]
Summary
As of March 2026[update], the status of the programe is as follows:
| Combined authority | Status | Devolution area | LGR | S.I. | Created | First election | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheshire and Warrington | Formally established, awaiting mayoral powers | None | Made | 24 February 2026 | 2027 | [4][5] | |
| Cumbria | Formally established, awaiting mayoral powers | None | Made | 24 February 2026 | 2027 | [6][7] | |
| Greater Essex | Not yet formally established | Yes | Expected 2026 | Expected 2028 | [2] | ||
| Hampshire and the Solent | Not yet formally established | Yes | Expected 2026 | Expected 2028 | [2] | ||
| Norfolk and Suffolk | Not yet formally established | Yes | Expected 2026 | Expected 2028 | [2] | ||
| Sussex and Brighton | Not yet formally established | Yes | Expected 2026 | Expected 2028 | [2] |
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