National Audit Office questions combined authorities’ economic benefits
By Hiba Mahamadi | 10 July 2017
There is inadequate evidence to suggest that combined authorities deliver improved economic outcomes, a report published by the National Audit Office has said.

Auditors assessed draft monitoring and evaluation plans for combined authorities in the West Midlands, the North East, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and the Tees Valley.

They found that while authorities were working to link spending with outcomes and impact, the results varied in quality.
Accountability and scrutiny may also be compromised in combined authorities, the report added.

The report found the Greater Manchester Combined Authority had experienced difficulties retaining representatives on its scrutiny and audit committees.

It also found that many authorities have had to take staff from transport and other local authorities.