Member

I turn to consultation. As provided for in the enabling Acts, the constituent councils consulted on proposals to establish the combined authorities based on their devolution agreements. These consultations took place between December 2023 and March 2024 for periods of either six or eight weeks. The councils promoted the consultations using dedicated websites, social media, online and in-person events with the public and communications campaigns. The councils also undertook targeted stakeholder engagement with businesses, the voluntary sector and key institutions within their areas. Responses could be made online via their website or email, or on paper via post, or at dedicated events or collection points such as libraries. As required by the 2023 and 2009 Acts, the councils preparing the proposals provided the Secretary of State with a summary of consultation responses when submitting their proposals to the then Government in spring 2024.