AMBITIONS for Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset to take part in the first tranche of local government ‘devolution’ got a huge boost this week, when BCP Council voted to join their bid.

BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) Council was faced with picking a bid to join, with the Hampshire and the Solent bid to the east (made up of

Hampshire County Council, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight), or the Heart of Wessex plan (that of Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset) to the west.

The decision was debated at an extraordinary meeting of BCP Council on Wednesday (January 15), where they voted to join the Wessex bid.

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After the meeting leader of BCP Council, Councillor Millie Earl, said: “Devolution will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will affect our residents for the next 50 years.

“It was heartening to see the rich debate that took place at our Extraordinary Council meeting last night. I am proud to say, at a time when politics is often seen as divisive, this was democracy at its best.

“After a clear decision from the chamber that BCP Council wants to join the government’s Priority Programme, we spent time and thought considering the two options open to us – to look east to Hampshire or west to Wessex.

“Ultimately members voted to join the proposed Wessex Strategic Authority.

“My role as leader, now, is to drive forward the next steps for devolution to make sure we get the best outcomes for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents.”

Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said she will now “drive forward the next steps for devolution”. Picture: BCP Council

The original trio in Wessex has long campaigned to be part of the government’s first phase of devolution, but had been working without the commitment of neighbours including BCP Council and North Somerset Council, which has asked the Government to back it joining the already-established West of England combined authority, which includes Bristol.

Devolution, as recently laid out by the Labour Government, would see strategic authorities created across the country, with each having an elected mayor.

However, councils have been quick to point out the move would not be a merger of the authorities.

Instead, they tout the financial opportunities available to those taking part, highlighting successful moves to devolution in Manchester and the West Midlands.

The news comes after the leaders of Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset Councils submitted a letter to the Government confirming they would like to be considered for the Devolution Priority Programme – the first round of the scheme.

Announcing the letter, they said the bid had “scope for further growth should BCP Council, Swindon Borough Council and North Somerset Council join the partnership”.

“Government wishes to progress devolution at pace, and we remain committed to being at the forefront of transformation in local government,” the leaders said.

“We believe this scale of devolution ensures clear, accountable leadership to drive economic growth, improve public services, and invest in vital infrastructure.

Council leaders Bill Revans (Somerset), Richard Clewer (Wiltshire) and Nick Ireland (Dorset)

“This model will see additional powers and funding handed down from central government, unlocking significant opportunities and benefits for our residents and businesses.

“Wessex is well-placed to support the Government’s growth priorities, particularly in clean energy, defence, digital technologies, life sciences, and tourism.

“We are committed to creating a Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority and are determined to deliver the benefits of devolution through effective partnership working and our shared ambition to deliver the best outcomes for residents, businesses and visitors.”

Meanwhile, Swindon Borough Council (SBC) has said it has “had discussions” with the Heart of Wessex group, but had not yet decided which way to go.

Leader, Cllr Jim Robbins, told the BBC the authority could instead look east.

“We have had discussions about what being part of a Heart of Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority could offer, but we have also proactively assessed the merits of working with neighbouring councils looking east along the Thames Valley corridor, which is where our business leaders also think the greatest opportunities lie,” he said.

The issue was raised in Parliament by MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury & Somerton), expressing concerns over the Heart of Wessex bid should BCP Council not join.

In response, the Minister, Jim McMahon, said the Government would not agree to any devolution proposals that create ‘orphan’ authorities.

After the BCP Council decision, Ms Dyke said: “I passionately believe in putting more power in the hands of individuals and communities. Devolution is about shifting power out of the centre in Westminster and Whitehall, and ensuring decisions are made for and by the communities they affect.

“I welcome further devolution and look forward to seeing how the Heart of Wessex devolution deal progresses. But it is important that the Government’s plans for re-organisation do not end up being a top-down devolution diktat from Whitehall.

“Local authorities across the country are under severe financial pressure at the moment, with more and more well run councils looking at risk in the coming years. The Labour Government must address this financial crisis, if they are to truly empower our communities and improve services.”