Plans to give Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole greater control over local decisions have received Government support. Plans to give Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole greater control over local decisions have received Government support.The Chancellor has committed to backing Wessex devolution in the Autumn Budget Statement, with council leaders across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire welcoming the announcement as an important step towards securing more powers for the region.The proposed agreement could give local authorities greater influence over trans
Plans to give Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole greater control over local decisions have received Government support.The proposed agreement could give local authorities greater influence over transport, housing, skills, regeneration and economic development, with the potential for additional Government funding and investment to support projects identified as priorities by local communities.
In a joint statement, BCP Council leader Councillor Millie Earl and her counterparts from Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire described the announcement as a "significant vote of confidence in our region", saying decisions should be made closer to the communities affected.
The leaders believe devolution could help address housing shortages, strengthen transport connections, create better paid jobs and provide more opportunities for training, while also supporting town centres, high streets and environmental protection.
They said "Wessex is ready" and confirmed that work would continue with the Government towards an agreement intended to deliver long term benefits for residents and businesses.
