Wiltshire Council

01/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/10/2025 04:00

Councillors support Heart of Wessex inclusion in Devolution Priority Programme

Despite reservations about the concept of a mayor being the most suitable for a rural area, Wiltshire Council councillors have reluctantly supported the proposal that the Leader write to the Government, requesting the inclusion of the Heart of Wessex in the Devolution Priority Programme.

Published 10 January 2025

At an extraordinary full council meeting on Thursday 9 January, members were able to discuss the opportunities that devolution presents for Wiltshire and the wider Heart of Wessex area. The creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority could unlock significant funding and investment, driving economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing services for residents. It was agreed that Cllr Richard Clewer, along with Leaders from Dorset and Somerset Councils, would write to the Government seeking inclusion in the Devolution Priority Programme.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: It is clear from the Devolution White Paper that all of England is going to end up in Strategic Authorities with mayors at their head. Whilst I am still not convinced of the need for a mayor in a rural area, Government has made it clear that if strategic authorities are going to maximise the funding opportunities available, devolution deals will require a mayor. We can either look now to create a Mayoral Strategic Authority in a geographical footprint that works for Wiltshire, which I believe the Heart of Wessex does, or wait and be forced into an authority in a few years that may not suit our needs.

It was crucial that all councillors were able to fully consider the implications of joining the Devolution Priority Programme before committing to writing to the Government. I was keen for all members to have the opportunity engage in this discussion as we seek to secure the best outcomes for our communities. Despite raising concerns about the mayoral model, members agreed that the Heart of Wessex presents the best opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors and we will continue to work with partner councils to progress proposals.

If the Heart of Wessex is included in the Devolution Priority Programme this could lead to the establishment of a new mayoral strategic authority and election of a mayor for the region in May 2026. The proposal is not a merger of the three councils. Each council will remain independent, continuing to serve its local communities as individual authorities.

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