COUNCIL leaders across the Wessex region have welcomed government backing for their proposed geography in a move they say could pave the way for closer regional cooperation and future growth.

In a joint statement issued yesterday, leaders from Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) said the government’s recognition of their preferred structure marked a significant step forward.

Cllr Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council, joined Cllr Bill Revans (Somerset), Cllr Nick Ireland (Dorset) and Cllr Millie Earl (BCP) in saying: “The Wessex Partnership welcomes the government’s recognition of our preferred geography.

“This reflects the strong and productive collaboration already happening between the four Wessex councils – Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP).”

The leaders said work is continuing across five shared areas – planning, economy, transport, environment and public safety – aimed at delivering “coordinated benefits” and supporting the long-term success of the region.

They added: “We are prepared to establish a Strategic Planning Board as soon as possible to lead the development of a Wessex Spatial Development Strategy.

“This will provide a coherent, sustainable approach to future growth, infrastructure planning and environmental priorities.”

The statement also welcomed a recent Written Ministerial Statement outlining the government’s intentions for Foundation Strategic Authorities (FSAs), with leaders saying they would consider what it means for Wessex and confirm their approach “in due course”.

However, the councils raised concerns over funding following the end of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

“Given the end of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which leaves councils without access to dedicated growth funding, we urge the government to set out what growth and capacity funding will be available to FSAs,” they said.

“Wessex is uniquely well placed to move at pace, with all four councils having recently undergone local government reorganisation.

“We are confident and ambitious in what devolution can enable us to achieve.”