Local authority data: finances
Browse details on both funding and spending of local authorities in England.

This briefing note outlines the origins and structures of combined authorities, which implement many of the 'devolution deals' agreed between the Government and local areas in England.
Combined authorities (676 KB , PDF)
Combined authorities are a legal structure that may be set up by local authorities in England. They can be set up with or without a directly-elected mayor.
This briefing paper is no longer being updated. Further details on combined authorities can be found in the Library briefing paper Devolution to local government in England.
The legislation covering combined authorities is the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 and the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016. Further provisions can also be found in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill 2022-23.
Combined authorities (676 KB , PDF)
Browse details on both funding and spending of local authorities in England.
A briefing on unitary local government in England, proposals for creating new unitary authorities, Government policy, historical practice, and academic analysis
The government said it will invite all two-tier local authority areas to restructure into unitary authorities, which is likely to result in fewer, larger authorities.