Commentary Part 6: Economic Prosperity Boards and Combined Authorities Section 110 – Requirements in connection with establishment of combined authority
246.This section specifies that the Secretary of State may make an order establishing a combined authority for an area if, having regard to the prepared and published scheme, the Secretary of State considers that the establishment of a combined authority is likely to improve the exercise of statutory functions relating to transport and the effectiveness and efficiency of transport in the area as well as the exercise of statutory economic development and regeneration functions in the area and the economic conditions in the area.
247.Subsections (2) and (3) require the Secretary of State to consult each of the local authorities, any Integrated Transport Authority and any EPB for an area which, or part of which, is included within the area of the proposed combined authority, and any other persons the Secretary of State considers appropriate before making the order.
248.Subsection (4) requires the Secretary of State to have regard to the need to reflect the identities and interests of local communities and to secure effective and convenient local government in making the order.