NORTH Somerset could soon be part of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) – and residents are being urged to have their say.
WECA is set to approve the start of a consultation on the expansion, which would see North Somerset Council join Bath & North East Somerset (BANES), Bristol, and South Gloucestershire councils.
WECA said the move would unlock an already-negotiated £15 million for short-term for projects in the region, while an additional £1m has been offered to assist with the process.
It comes as the Government’s English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill makes its way through Parliament – promising increased funding and extra powers for authorities that join forces.
The government has also committed that, should the expansion proceed, future funding will “take account of an expanded WECA geography and population”.
North Somerset Council is among many in the south west to have issued pleas for increased funding amid huge budget deficits, and sees joining WECA as a move to improve the financial position, with benefits claimed to include increasing future allocations of funding transport improvements and a new national housing fund.
Announcing the move, Councillor Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, said: “I hope that people across the area will get involved in the consultation and share their views.
“This is a pivotal point for North Somerset which will enable us to ensure that our local communities get maximum benefit from powers – and funding – being devolved from central government.
“Our region is stronger when working together and I hope the expansion will be supported so we can deliver lasting improvements for everyone across the west.”
READ MORE: North Somerset takes first step to joining WECA
The Government’s English Devolution White Paper requires every local authority area to be part of a strategic authority.
Despite potentially joining an alliance to the south – including Somerset, Dorset, Wilshire and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole councils – North Somerset has chosen to look north.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Working together since May, we have given 1.1m free bus journeys through Kids Go Free, secured the green light for reopening the Bristol to Portishead railway line, and developed an ambitious Growth Strategy for our future.
“People can see that we are doing things differently, breaking with the past nine years and building a better future with more regional powers to deliver more for local people.
“Together we have negotiated a deal that’s a real vote of confidence from the government. The new chapter that we have started in the West is being backed up with new investment. Millions of pounds more for local projects, and a commitment to greater funding in future based on our larger geography, would make a real difference for communities across our region.
“Supported by local leaders across party and council boundaries both before and after the election, together we have built momentum towards a consultation on North Somerset joining the combined authority.
“I am looking forward to hearing from local residents and businesses across Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire as we consider what I know many feel to be a long overdue next step.”
Cllr Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Deputy Mayor, said: “At the heart of this is the need to secure as much investment as we can for our region for the benefit of our economy and all our communities.
“We have always worked closely with North Somerset and I will be encouraging residents in Bath & North East Somerset to get involved and have their say when the consultation starts.”
The eight-week consultation is planned to run in February and March, with Ministers set to consider consultation findings between April and June and, after approval from the Secretary of State, legislation drafted from June to be considered at the Mayor and council leaders’ meeting in October.
North Somerset would then likely become a full member of WECA from late 2026 or early 2027.
The next election of the Mayor of the West of England will take place in May 2029.
READ MORE: Politics news from your Somerset Leveller
As a recent newcomer to north Somerset I cannot see what relationship to Poole & Bournemouth at all. Local news belongs to Bristol area. I would therefore like to keep area local.