Councillors to consider decision on joining the West of England Combined Authority

Councillors will meet next week to consider whether North Somerset Council should become a full member of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

The Full Council meeting on Tuesday 12 May follows a period of public consultation earlier this year, which asked residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders for their views on the proposal. The consultation was part of a formal process required by government before any decision can be taken.

A report summarising the consultation responses, alongside an assessment of the potential benefits, risks and implications for North Somerset, will be presented to councillors at the meeting. Councillors will then be asked to decide whether to approve the proposal for North Somerset Council to join WECA.

WECA is a partnership between local unitary authorities and a directly-elected regional mayor that works together on issues such as transport, housing, skills, economic growth and tackling climate change. It is currently made up of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol City and South Gloucestershire councils and is led by Helen Godwin, the Mayor of the West of England.

The government has made clear that all areas must be part of a strategic authority, and has identified the West of England as the most appropriate partnership for North Somerset.

By joining WECA, North Somerset could gain access to:

• greater devolved powers from central government

• increased influence over regional transport, housing and economic priorities

• opportunities to secure additional funding and investment

• a stronger voice in decisions that already affect residents and businesses across the wider travel‑to‑work area.

  
  
  
  

North Somerset already works closely with WECA on a number of issues, particularly transport.

Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said:

“This is an important decision for North Somerset and one that councillors will consider very carefully. We have carried out a public consultation to understand people’s views, and the feedback received is a key part of the report being presented to Council.

“Joining the West of England Combined Authority would create opportunities to secure greater influence and investment for our area, particularly around transport, jobs and skills. However, it is right that the final decision is taken in public, with all the facts and evidence available.”

If councillors agree to proceeding with the process to join the combined authority, the decision to submit a formal proposal to government will rest jointly with the Leader of the Council and the Mayor of the West of England. Any change to the council’s status would then require government approval before North Somerset could formally become a full member of WECA.

If councillors decide not to proceed, the council would need to consider alternative arrangements to meet government requirements for strategic partnership working.

The Full Council meeting takes place on Tuesday 12 May at the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare and is open to the public and will also be live-streamed. The agenda and papers for the meeting, including the full consultation report, are available on the council’s website.