AN ‘EXTRAORDINARY’ meeting of Wiltshire leaders will take place next month to discuss devolution plans.

Wiltshire Council has called an extraordinary full council meeting at 6pm on Thursday, January 9, to discuss providing support for the Heart of Wessex, to be considered as part of the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme.

The move would see a number of councils – including Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset – work together in a bid to unlock a number of extra powers and funding.

Any creation of a Heart of Wessex region would also see a mayoral role created, as the area would be a ‘strategic mayoral authority’, with an election to the role potentially taking place in May 2026.

Previously, the leaders of Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset councils have expressed support for the move to devolve powers, as it could bring other benefits.

The council said the meeting will allow councillors to discuss the opportunities that devolution presents for Wiltshire and the wider Heart of Wessex area.

“The creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority could unlock significant funding and investment, driving economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing services for residents,” a spokesperson added.

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Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “It is clear from the Devolution White Paper that all of England is going to end up in Strategic Authorities with mayors at their head.

“While I am still not convinced of the need for a mayor in a rural area, Government has made it clear that if strategic authorities are going to maximise the funding opportunities available, devolution deals will require a mayor.

“We can either look now to create a Strategic Mayoral Authority in a geographical footprint that works for Wiltshire, which I believe the Heart of Wessex does, or wait and be forced into an authority in a few years that may not suit our needs.

“Therefore, it is crucial that all councillors come together to fully consider the benefits and implications of joining the Devolution Priority Programme.

“Before the council commits to supporting the Devolution Priority Programme, I am keen for all members to engage in this discussion and help us move forward in securing the best outcomes for our communities.”

If the Heart of Wessex is included in the Devolution Priority Programme this could lead to the establishment of a new strategic mayoral authority and election of a mayor for the region in May 2026.