2(1)Section 5 (authorities responsible for strategies) is amended as follows.
(2)Omit subsection (1)(c).
(3)For subsections (1A) and (1B) substitute—
“(1A)The relevant local policing body in relation to two or more local government areas in England may make a combination agreement with the responsible authorities in relation to those areas (the “combined area”).
(1B)A combination agreement is an agreement for the functions conferred by or under section 6 or by section 7 to be carried out in relation to the combined area as if it constituted only one local government area.
(1BA)The responsible authorities in relation to a combined area are all the persons who are the responsible authorities in relation to each local government area that falls within the combined area.
(1BB)Section 5A contains further provision about the making and contents of combination agreements.”.
(4)In subsection (1C) for “An order under subsection (1A) above” substitute “A combination agreement”.
(5)In subsection (1D), in the definition of “crime and disorder scrutiny functions”, for “an order under subsection (1A) above” substitute “a combination agreement”.
(6)After subsection (1D) insert—
“(1E)The “relevant local policing body”, in relation to a combined area, is—
(a)if the area falls (wholly or partly) within the police area of a police and crime commissioner, the commissioner,
(b)if the area falls (wholly or partly) within the metropolitan police district, the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, and
(c)if the area falls partly within the City of London, the Secretary of State.
(1F)If there is more than one relevant local policing body in relation to a combined area by virtue of subsection (1E), the references in subsection (1A) above and section 5A(2) to the relevant local policing body in relation to the combined area are references to each of the relevant local policing bodies for that area acting jointly.”.
(7)In subsection (2) for “those functions” substitute “the functions conferred by or under section 6”.
(8)In subsection (5), omit—
(a)the word “and” at the end of the definition of “fire and rescue authority”, and
(b)the definition of “police authority”.