Council leaders covering Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have told Government they are ready to pursue a Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority with Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. Plans for a Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority have moved forward after council leaders wrote to Government. The leaders of BCP Council, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire have confirmed their readiness and interest in creating the authority, following a Government invitation to express interest in devolution for the wider Wessex area. In a joint statement, Councillor Millie Earl, Councillor Nick Ireland, Councillor
Plans for a Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority have moved forward after council leaders wrote to Government.
The leaders of BCP Council, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire have confirmed their readiness and interest in creating the authority, following a Government invitation to express interest in devolution for the wider Wessex area.
In a joint statement, Councillor Millie Earl, Councillor Nick Ireland, Councillor Bill Revans and Councillor Ian Thorn said "Wessex is ready" and "The case for Wessex is clear", with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole included in the proposed area.
They said a Mayoral Strategic Authority would give local leaders powers and funding for transport, housing, skills, infrastructure and long term economic growth, while supporting the region's contribution to the national economy.
The councils said the area is the only fully unitary part of England without a devolution arrangement, and that no local government reorganisation would be needed before any agreement could take effect.
BCP Council approved joining the Wessex, also known as Heart of Wessex, devolution partnership at an Extraordinary Council meeting on 15 January 2025, before the latest letter was sent.
