Wiltshire Council's cabinet to discuss taking on more powers

The decision to explore the ‘Heart of Wessex’ concept, which would link the three councils together in a devolution partnership, will be explained at an upcoming cabinet meeting on Tuesday, October 8.

Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, described the local authorities as having their “own unique aspirations”, but with “a shared belief that working together can provide a strong foundation for devolution”.

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Wiltshire Council's leader, Richard Clewer, at the latest cabinet meeting. (Image: Wiltshire Council) This comes after Wiltshire Council announced it had responded to the government’s request for expressions of interest in devolution with a suggestion of working alongside Dorset Council and Somerset Council.

The report set to be presented to cabinet notes that this move follows a “range of discussions” between the leader, chief executive, and neighbouring areas.

According to the document, the leaders of the three councils have acknowledged the varying goals and priorities of their respective areas but believe there are “important synergies to explore under one umbrella”.

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It reads: “The councils are committed to driving regional growth, improving public services, and ensuring greater local decision-making.”

It adds: “Doing nothing would potentially mean Wiltshire misses out on devolution of funding and functions from government.”

The letter sent to local councils by the Deputy Prime Minister in July described Labour’s proposals as “the most ambitious programme of devolution this country has ever seen”, with plans to devolve new powers over transport, skills, housing, planning and employment support.

Angela Rayner wrote: “In due course, the Government will publish a new devolution framework, setting out the new powers and flexibilities available to you.

“While we will not force places to take on a metro Mayor, we will not shy away from making the case for their huge advantages, with some powers continuing to be reserved for institutions with directly elected leaders, such as Mayoral Combined Authorities.”

However, Wiltshire Council’s report for cabinet says that it wants clearer guidance.

It states: “Clarity on the functions to be devolved would also help refine our approach and whilst we are open to exploring the right decision-making framework, at this time, we do not think a mayoral system would be right for our communities.”

The report also notes that although the three councils are open to working with BCP Council and Swindon Borough Council, these authorities have submitted expressions of interest with their own preferred arrangements.