Heart of Wessex councils ask Government for devolution 'priority'
Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset want to set up a new region
An elected 'Mayor of Wessex' to oversee Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire has moved a step forward.
Councils in the three counties have today (Friday 10th January) formally told the Government they will look at accepting the idea - and join a 'priority' list.
Any new mayor could get extra powers and budgets from Government to oversee things like local housing and transport
All three councils would remain in place and continue.
In a joint statement, the leaders of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Councils, Cllr Nick Ireland, Cllr Bill Revans, and Cllr Richard Clewer, said:
“We are pleased to confirm that we have submitted a letter to the Government showing our collective support for being considered as part of the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme.
“Government wishes to progress devolution at pace, and we remain committed to being at the forefront of transformation in local government. Our Wessex proposal aligns well with the aims of the White Paper, encompassing a population of approximately 1.5 million, with scope for further growth should BCP Council, Swindon Borough Council and North Somerset Council join the partnership.
“This proposal is not a merger of the three councils. Each council will remain independent, continuing to serve its local communities as individual authorities.
“We believe this scale of devolution ensures clear, accountable leadership to drive economic growth, improve public services, and invest in vital infrastructure. This model will see additional powers and funding handed down from central government, unlocking significant opportunities and benefits for our residents and businesses. Wessex is well-placed to support the Government’s growth priorities, particularly in clean energy, defence, digital technologies, life sciences, and tourism.
“We are committed to creating a Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority and are determined to deliver the benefits of devolution through effective partnership working and our shared ambition to deliver the best outcomes for residents, businesses and visitors.
“We remain open to further discussions with BCP Council, Swindon Borough Council and North Somerset Council about potentially expanding the partnership should they wish to consider joining Wessex in the future.
“We will continue to work closely with Government to progress the Wessex proposal.”
A public consultation will take place if the Heart of Wessex region is chosen to join the Devolution Priority Programme in the coming months.
If that process is approved, mayoral elections would take place in May 2026 - and could mean the delay or cancellation of local elections too.