The Tees Valley Combined Authority was created in April 2016. Its purpose is to secure investment and create jobs in the area. It is a partnership of five authorities; Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees, working closely with the Local Enterprise Partnership, wider business community and other partners to make local decisions to support the growth of our economy. Under the devolution deal with Government, it is taking on responsibilities previously held by Westminster and Whitehall; for transport, infrastructure, skills, business investment, housing and culture and tourism. The people of the Tees Valley elected their Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, who chairs the Combined Authority.