Leaders from across Wessex are welcoming the Government’s invitation to express an interest in establishing Mayoral Strategic Authority for the region.
The invitation is the next step in ongoing discussions about securing a devolution agreement, which, if successful, could bring additional powers, responsibilities and investment to Wessex, enabling more decisions on areas such as transport, skills, housing, infrastructure and economic growth to be made locally.
However, any proposal for a Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority would not involve a merger of councils.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, Dorset Council, Somerset Council and Wiltshire Council would all remain separate unitary authorities, with responsibility for delivering local services in their respective areas.
Issuing a joint statement, the councils leaders said: “We have been clear Wessex is ready and uniquely placed to move forward with a Mayoral Strategic Authority, and we welcome the Government’s invitation to express an interest as the next step in securing devolution for our region.
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“This is an exciting and once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring decisions closer to local people, unlock investment and drive long-term prosperity to every postcode across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.
“As the only fully unitary area in England without a devolution arrangement, we already operate at the scale required and, with no need for local government reorganisation, we are ready to realise the benefits of devolution from day one.
“A Mayoral Strategic Authority has always been our aim as it would give Wessex the powers and funding that local leaders need to improve transport, housing, skills, infrastructure and lasting economic growth, while strengthening our contribution to the national economy.
“The case for Wessex is clear. We are united in our ambition and ready to seize this opportunity. We are committed to working with Government to secure a devolution agreement that matches the scale and ambition of our potential.”
The statement was signed off by Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, and Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council.
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