Dorset Council leader accuses government of holding the county back
Dorset Council’s leader says government policy is leaving the county “unfairly funded” and councillors overwhelmingly agree
Dorset Council’s leader has warned that the county risks being “left behind” unless the government grants the region greater devolved powers.
New figures suggest residents are losing out on nearly £300m a year in potential investment that could improve infrastructure, create jobs or go towards affordable homes.
Council leader Nick Ireland claims Dorset would be £159 better off for every resident if ministers recognised a proposed Wessex Devolution deal, which would link Dorset with Somerset, Wiltshire and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP).
The government has so far excluded the area from recent rounds of devolution agreements, which have prioritised mayoral combined authorities in major cities.
Cllr Nick Ireland said: “We are ready to take control of our future but government is holding us back.
“Dorset has the ambition, expertise, and partnerships to deliver real change for our communities.
“We want decisions about transport, housing, skills, and growth made here, not in Whitehall, because local choices lead to better outcomes for residents.
He warned that counties with mayoral devolved status are “getting billions in investment while rural regions like ours are left behind,”
Despite what the council leader called “deep frustration”, Dorset councillors voted decisively - 49 to 6 - to continue pursuing the devolution plan.
But enthusiasm for adopting an elected mayor, a key requirement for the most powerful devolved deals, has been met with scepticism by some.
Former council leader Spencer Flower opposed the introduction of an elected mayor altogether, questioning whether a mayoral system would bring meaningful benefits.
Louie O’Leary, a Conservative councillor for Littlemoor and Preston, said: “I don’t believe any change would improve long-term funding for the area.”
Instead, he called on local councils to fight back and press the government for a fairer funding formula.
Finance cabinet member Simon Clifford argued the opposite, calling devolution “a no brainer” if Dorset wants increased government investment.