27.—(1) The Combined Authority has the power to exercise any of the functions described in subsection (1)(a) and (b) of section 88 of the Local Government Act 1985 (research and collection of information)(1) whether or not a scheme is made under that section.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1) of this article, paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 88(1) of the Local Government Act 1985 have effect as if a reference to “that area” were a reference to the Area.