Wessex push for devolution continues with regional project support

Council leaders across the South West are continuing their push for devolution in the region but supporting a number of cross-border projects.

Authorities in Wiltshire, Somerset, Bournemouth and Dorset have made the commitment as they press for the creation of a Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority.

It follows their proposal earlier this year in the first round of devolution schemes being rejected by the Government.

This latest pledge will support a series of plans that aims to bring "tangible benefits" to people and businesses across the region.

They include:

• A Wessex Joint Growth Plan - to coordinate economic development, housing and infrastructure investment across local authority boundaries.
• Wessex plans for infrastructure- given the fundamental link between growth, the environment and transport, these will be integrated with a future spatial development strategy. Work will also take place on delivering more reliable, affordable, and greener public transport across urban and rural communities.
• A Wessex Local Nature Recovery Strategy - to protect and enhance the region's natural environment, biodiversity and green spaces.

In a joint statement, the leaders of BCP, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Councils, Cllr Millie Earl, Cllr Nick Ireland, Cllr Bill Revans and Cllr Ian Thorn, said: "This is an important step forward for the Wessex Partnership. By working together, we are showing that our region is ready to take on greater powers and responsibilities.

"These projects reflect our shared priorities - better transport, a thriving natural environment and sustainable economic growth. We are united in our ambition to secure a devolution deal that delivers real benefits for our communities."

The partnership is still speaking to central Government to build on plans for devolution and establishing a Mayoral Strategic Authority, which would bring greater local control over funding, planning and service delivery.

As well as the financial benefits of mayoral devolution, the Wessex partnership is looking to central government to deliver a range of measures, including support for:

• Working with UKRI and Innovate UK to develop an innovation programme of support for businesses across Wessex.
• Inclusion of Wessex in the Innovation Programme.
• A Wessex Defence Catapult, and engagement with the MOD, including NAD, DIO and Defence Digital to support innovation, including spin-out spaces.
• Consideration of whether Wessex could host the proposed UK Defence Innovation facility, given the strength of our defence cluster and relationships with the wider sector.
• Developing strategic relationships with agencies that can reduce barriers to growth - such as the Crown Estate and Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
• Establishing Wessex as an area for future technology and innovation as part of AI Growth Zone bids.
• Retaining the UK Health Security Agency at Porton to support the life sciences cluster in a secure location with a skilled population.
• Engaging regulators, including the Crown Estate, to seize the opportunity to streamline offshore approvals and enable clean energy growth.

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