Combined Authorities & Process Improvement
Changes to Authorities
Central Government have exerted pressure on geographically connected Local Authorities to merge and take on greater powers from the Central Government. This creates both Opportunities & Risks
Positives of Combined Authority Devolution
1. Local Decision-Making
- Policies can be tailored to local needs (e.g., transport, housing, skills)
- Leaders have a better understanding of regional challenges and opportunities
2. Improved Accountability
- Elected mayors or combined authority leaders are directly answerable to local voters
- Citizens can more clearly see who is responsible for public services
3. Faster and More Flexible Responses
- Local governments can act more swiftly than Whitehall in addressing regional issues
- Flexibility allows for pilot projects or innovation in service delivery
4. Economic Development
- Local authorities can coordinate investments in infrastructure, skills, and business support, often better targeting growth
- Helps "level up" underperforming regions by focusing on local economic strengths
5. Integrated Services
- Better coordination across transport, health, housing, and education systems within a region.
- Reduces fragmentation and duplication
Negatives of Combined Authority Devolution
1. Uneven Capacity and Resources
- Some combined authorities may lack the expertise or capacity to manage new powers effectively
- Wealthier regions may benefit more, increasing regional inequalities rather than reducing them
2. Complexity & Confusion
- Devolution can create overlapping responsibilities between local authorities, combined authorities, and central government
- The public may be unclear about who is accountable for what services
3. Financial Risks
- Devolution deals often come with financial responsibilities (e.g., borrowing powers)
- Poor financial management could lead to debt or reduced service quality
- Funding levels might still be insufficient compared to responsibilities devolved
4. Fragmentation of Policy
- Different approaches by regions could lead to a “postcode lottery” in public services like health, transport, or education
- This fragmentation may undermine national standards or cohesion
5. Risk of Short-Termism
- Local leaders may prioritise short-term projects that are popular locally over long-term regional planning
Opportunities
Combining Local Authorities creates opportunities for:
Public Service Reform
- Opportunity to redesign services around users (e.g. integrated health and social care)
- Encourages innovation in public service delivery and performance
Attracting Investment
- More strategic use of land, planning powers, and infrastructure spending can boost private sector confidence.
- Stronger regional identity can attract inward investment and tourism.
Climate and Net Zero Goals
- Regions can implement place-specific sustainability strategies (e.g., green transport, retrofitting homes)
- Local leadership can drive faster progress toward net zero
Skills and Employment
- Control over adult education and training budgets allows targeting of local labor market gaps
- Supports upskilling and reskilling initiatives aligned with regional economic goals
Enhanced Collaboration
- Encourages partnerships across local councils, business, academia, and civil society.
- Pooling resources and knowledge can deliver better outcomes at scale.
Our Solution
Horizon will map, sharpen & harmonise your processes
Merging authorities is not a simple process, as no two authorities work in the same way.
Let us map your existing policies & processes, weave a golden thread of best practice and guide you through creating a robust Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015) that will serve you and the public for years to come
Process Improvement Management
Improves service quality
It helps deliver better public services
Increases efficiency
Work becomes more organized and less wasteful
Boosts trust
Constituents see that the authority is serious about quality
Encourages accountability
Staff clearly know their roles and responsibilities
Supports continuous improvement
Problems are spotted and fixed faster
Enhances communication
Teams work together more effectively
Meets legal requirements
Helps stay compliant with regulations
Saves money
Better processes reduce costly mistakes
Project Management and Oversight
Once your policies & processes are harmonious and working efficiently, we'll consult with you to help guide your Built Environment pipeline and help manage your capital projects be successfully realised