• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Wednesday October 28 2026

The only way is Wessex, as Chancellor okays Wiltshire devolution deal

Wiltshire has been handed a major boost after today’s Budget confirmed Government support for a Wessex devolution deal – putting the county on course for a share of powers, funding and a directly elected regional mayor.

Chancellor John Healey named Wessex among the areas set to receive devolution agreements, formally backing the proposed Heart of Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority.

It would bring Wiltshire together with Somerset, Dorset, and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, moving decisions and money currently held in Whitehall closer to local communities.

It will also mean a revival of the Wessex name, devoid of political significance since the creation of England in 927AD. Its most famous leader was Alfred the Great – of burnt cakes fame – from 871 to 899.

For Wiltshire, the announcement is the clearest signal yet that its long-running campaign has finally landed. Council leader Ian Thorn joined the other three leaders in welcoming the Chancellor’s commitment, calling it “a significant vote of confidence in our region.”

The prize could be substantial. Wessex Partnership figures cited by local leaders suggest a metro mayor could unlock up to £460 million in additional funding each year and generate £16 billion of economic benefit across the region over 30 years.

Wiltshire Council has previously warned the county could be missing out on as much as £300 million annually without a devolution arrangement.

A single mayor would also give Wiltshire a louder voice in Whitehall, able to argue for investment across a wider area rather than relying on individual councils to compete for funding.

West Dorset MP Edward Morello said the arrangement could deliver “more buses” and “more investment”, with transport infrastructure likely to be a central priority.

Crucially, the plan would not abolish Wiltshire Council or redraw its boundaries. The existing unitary authority would remain responsible for day-to-day local services, while the new strategic authority would coordinate bigger, cross-boundary issues such as transport networks, housing strategy and economic development.

The Budget confirmation follows the Prime Minister’s public backing for a “fully devolved” Wessex at Prime Minister’s Questions last week, after the original bid was rejected in January 2025 for being insufficiently developed.

The next stage will see the four councils negotiate the detail with Government — including the mayor’s powers, funding settlement and timetable for elections.

But for Wiltshire, today’s statement turns a long-held ambition into a live prospect: more local control, potentially hundreds of millions in investment, and a powerful new regional champion.