Our last article warned about the seductive dangers of structural reorganisation in local government. Yet a new structural reorganisation is emerging in local government, but few are considering its wider implications for local government.

The new structure is developing in areas where metropolitan county councils were abolished in 1986. It is based not upon directly-elected authorities but on appointments by existing local authorities.

Combined authorities are emerging in areas with unitary authorities, in shire counties and in Greater London as new powers and resources are sought. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is being given powers and resources devolved from central government under the Greater Manchester Agreement (GMA).

They cover transport, skills development, housing investment, police and strategic planning. In addition, responsibility for health and social-care budgets will be devolved in Greater Manchester. Not all the responsibilities set out in the GMA will be given to every combined authority. Those which adopt a directly-elected mayor model, as in Greater Manchester, will enjoy wider powers than those that do not.