Title

COMBINED AUTHORITY

Combined authority criticised for 'inconsistent' Best Value approach

The Government has criticised the West of England Combined Authority for what it describes as ‘inconsistent action’ over flagged value for money concerns.

The Government has criticised the West of England Combined Authority for what it describes as ‘inconsistent action' over flagged value for money concerns.

Officials in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) have issued the combined authority with a Best Value notice detailing a long list of concerns.

DLUHC cited the poor state of professional relationships between the mayor and members of the authority, and warned the purpose of the authority had not been ‘collectively understood'.

It also said the combined authority ‘lacks a clear, shared narrative regarding the West of England and how it will operate for the benefit of the wider region'.

The notice follows reports by Grant Thornton and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE).

West of England Combined Authority interim chief executive, Richard Ennis, insisted the authority had made ‘significant progress'.

He added: ‘There is still more work for us to do, and I look forward to working with our regional partners and the independent improvement board to address the challenges specifically highlighted in the Best Value notice.'

COMBINED AUTHORITY

Test, Learn and Grow: Sheffield's family hubs

By Cllr Tom Hunt | 24 October 2025

Cllr Tom Hunt says Sheffield is aiming to build on the success of its Test, Learn and Grow pilot by launching a bold new Total Place approach that brings tog...

COMBINED AUTHORITY

Cambridgeshire local government reorganisation debate heats up

By Paul Marinko | 24 October 2025

Cambridgeshire CC has backed the creation of two unitary authorities amid simmering tensions on reorganisation.

COMBINED AUTHORITY

Levelling up leadership

By Pete John | 23 October 2025

Pete John delves into the new world of leading in a combined authority and offers some insight into how to make it work.

COMBINED AUTHORITY

Five keys to making reorganisation work

By Ian Fytche | 22 October 2025

Ian Fytche makes the case for framing a proposal for reorganisation based on five principles of health creation, climate action, reimagining place, community...

Popular articles by William Eichler