Wessex devolution plans rejected by Government
It would have included Wiltshire, Dorset, BCP and Somerset Councils
A proposal to bring together four local councils under one Heart of Wessex region has been rejected by the Government.
Wiltshire, Dorset, BCP and Somerset's authorities had drawn up a plan for devolution, asking Westminster for greater local decision making powers.
The group now say they're 'extremely disappointed' that the scheme isn't being taken forward.
In a joint statement, Cllr Millie Earl - leader of BCP Council; Cllr Nick Ireland - leader of Dorset Council; Cllr Bill Revans - leader of Somerset Council; and Cllr Richard Clewer - leader of Wiltshire Council, said:
"Despite the fact that we felt Government were moving too quickly to deliver devolution, and our discussion about the format of Mayoral Strategic Authority as the most appropriate solution for our region, we worked collaboratively with ministers throughout to deliver a strong proposal. Therefore, the decision not to include Wessex within the Devolution Priority Programme is extremely disappointing.
“We feel the Wessex proposal aligned with the aims of the White Paper, encompassing a population of approximately 1.9 million, with the region well-placed to support the Government's growth priorities, particularly in clean energy, defence, digital technologies, life sciences, and tourism.
"The area could now miss out on essential funding, and combined with the likely defunding of pan-regional partnerships and the substantial reduction in the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the fact that this will now be delayed when we are ready to go is deeply regrettable.”
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