The case for a Wessex combined authority

I was delighted to hear in the Autumn Budget, that there are plans for further devolution of powers from central government to local bodies; and that Somerset Council is to be a beneficiary of this.

The proposed new “Wessex” combined authority will be made up of Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and the metropolitan areas of Bournemouth & Poole. I think that these locations share many of the same issues, and will make good neighbours within the new jurisdiction.

As the Chair of Somerset Council, Bill Revans, highlighted on Budget day, in Somerset we could be in line for over £400 million extra after devolution; which amongst other things, could see a significant investment in local infrastructure, and boost economic growth. 

There are those of course that complain that someone in Poole might be making decisions affecting people in Taunton. I’d gently point out that it is equally likely for someone living in Wellington to be deciding for those living in Bournemouth!

I consider devolution to be a positive move; as a general rule, it’s always better for decisions that affect people’s lives to be made locally wherever possible. After far too many years of austerity driven down from the top, we are seeing locally organised investment that is beginning to enhance our qualities of life, and more of this would be most welcome.

Who knows; we might see the new “Wessex” expand to rival the kingdom that was once ruled over by Alfred the Great!

Tony Sutcliffe
Taunton