What is one of the primary powers of a combined authority?

A combined authority is a formal arrangement used in local governance in the UK, typically consisting of several local councils coming together to manage certain functions collaboratively. One of the defining features of a combined authority is its ability to borrow money on the open market. This power is crucial as it allows the authority to finance significant infrastructure projects, transport initiatives, and economic development schemes that would not be feasible for individual councils to undertake alone due to budget constraints.

The ability to borrow on the open market enhances the authority's capacity for long-term planning and investment, making it a vital component of regional development. This borrowing capability enables the combined authority to operate with greater financial flexibility, attracting investment and supporting growth initiatives that benefit the wider region.

While the other choices represent important aspects of local governance, they do not specifically pertain to the primary powers of combined authorities. Control over school districts, setting council tax rates, and managing public housing are typically powers held by local councils rather than the combined authority itself, which is more focused on collective initiatives and regional infrastructure projects.