The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill received Royal Assent, meaning it’s now law. This is a moment to celebrate new powers devolved to our region and reflect on how combined authorities can genuinely improve people’s lives and places.

We’re particularly encouraged by the new public health duty, requiring combined authorities to “have regard to the need to improve health and reduce health inequalities” across their areas.

We’re also pleased to see our recommendations reflected in the Act, which now requires combined authorities to consider environmental factors, including air quality, when tackling health inequalities.