I agree with the noble Lord. This is what we will do: we will look at the report in detail and respond accordingly on the things in the report that reflect, first, on the department itself and, secondly, on future combined authorities of whatever type because of the importance of that.
There are currently no limits on mayoral precepts; the power does exist to set limits. That would need the approval of the Commons, though, if it were to happen so we will watch that as it moves forward. I think it was the noble Baroness, Lady Taylor of Stevenage, who brought up the issue of a political adviser. The combined county authorities can have one political adviser; the post, like local authority political advisers, is not politically restricted in the way that other officers’ posts are, but they can have one.
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There was quite a lot of discussion, as always, on the engagement with district councils and the role they play. They are not losing any of their powers—I think we have discussed this enough in other debates—but throughout this whole process, the district councils have been very much part of the discussions and will continue to be so. In fact, not long ago, Minister Young was in Lancashire with its county council, discussing their concerns about the establishment of combined county authorities in that area. I know that the Secretary of State met the District Councils’ Network quite recently, at the end of last year, to discuss this whole issue. We are listening to and talking to them throughout this process.
I will just check whether there is anything else; I think that covers most of the questions that were asked. If there is anything that I have missed I will write, as I have said, and put a copy in the Library.
I go back to saying that the important thing about these regulations is that they are widely welcomed by the people of the East Midlands. This is a huge and significant development for the whole of that area, which benefits from having two cities alongside large towns and rural areas, and being the home for industry such as Toyota UK, Rolls-Royce, Alstom and Boots, with expertise in the area in aerospace, rail, life sciences and transport. The establishment of the East Midlands Combined County Authority is an important step in contributing to the Government’s levelling-up agenda.
In short, the regulations and the devolution deal they implement will make a significant contribution to the future economic development and regeneration of the East Midlands. That will empower its local leaders to invest in local priorities. Once again, I wish it well and commend the draft regulations to the Committee.