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Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset commit to devolution plan
Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset councils have submitted joint plans for a mayoral combined authority in the region.
The councils have told the government they want to form a combined authority called Heart of Wessex that “reflects our shared vision for unlocking significant opportunities for our communities through local empowerment and collaboration.”
The combined authority would not include Swindon, to the north of Wiltshire, or Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council in the south of Dorset, although the authorities said the “the offer to BCP Council and Swindon Borough Council to join the Heart of Wessex partnership remains open.”
Neither would Bath & North East Somerset be included – that council is already part of the West of England Combined Authority.
The councils have said they are happy for the authority to be led by a mayor – as the West of England Combined Authority is – even though the three organisations would prefer not to.
Their reasoning is their “strong desire to be considered in the first tranche of devolution deals, recognising the commitment of our councils to lead change in local government and move forward as swiftly as possible.”
The government has said that all devolution deals will be Mayoral Combined Authorities.
“This submission reflects our shared vision for unlocking significant opportunities for our communities through local empowerment and collaboration,” read a joint statement from Richard Clewer, leader of Wilshire Council, Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, and Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council.
“This is not a merger of the three councils, all three will remain separate local authorities. Devolution is the handing down of powers and decision making from central government to new ‘local partnership’ areas.
“The make-up of the individual councils who may work together will not change.
The Heart of Wessex encompasses a region of significant potential, and we feel that devolution at scale can support our ambitions to ensure our local economy thrives and is supported by a skilled, secure and well-paid workforce.
“Mayoral devolution also offers the opportunity to develop a long-term investment plan for the critical infrastructure our counties need with the ability to bring in additional private sector investment.
“With a population of approximately 1.5 million, we believe the Heart of Wessex presents a realistic and ambitious offer which can redefine local decision-making and partnership across the patch, offering the Government an opportunity to showcase what devolution can offer to the region and to the wider UK.
“The Heart of Wessex has real strengths in sectors such as defence, digital, life sciences and clean energy, and devolution will help ensure the success of these sectors in kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower and breaking down barriers to opportunity.”
Pictured: The A303 at Stonehenge. The road passes through Wiltshire, Dorset, and Somerset
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