Who would have thought in 2009, when the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act (LDEDCA), a portmanteau pick 'n' mix of assorted legislation, rumbled its way through Parliament, that it would be the catalyst for a major change in the governance of our major cities. Hidden away in its sundry provisions was the idea of combined authorities - an idea little noticed at the time when all eyes were on 'multi-area agreements' and the power of petitioning. But, by next year, its likely that all of our major northern cities may be encompassed by super authorities with wide powers over transport infrastructure and economic development and the potential to draw down even more controls from central government. Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford and Newcastle are all clamouring to exercise extra regional muscle through these new vehicles.
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