Baroness Taylor from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government visited Wessex today to meet local council leaders and discuss the region’s ambition to secure a devolution deal and create a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Leaders from the four unitary councils of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire – which make up the Wessex Partnership – shared their progress and plans to support sustainable economic growth through greater local decision-making.
The visit included a stop at Porton Science Park and the official opening of the Future High Street Fund project at Salisbury Railway Station. Baroness Taylor also took part in briefings on regional initiatives driving innovation across defence, clean energy, digital technology and life sciences.
The councils said their existing unitary status makes them well-placed to support the Government’s goals and move quickly with a devolution deal. A joint statement from Councillor Millie Earl, Councillor Nick Ireland, Councillor Bill Revans and Councillor Ian Thorn said they remain confident that devolution could unlock further investment and innovation, and confirmed their desire to move towards a mayoral model by 2027.
Baroness Taylor welcomed the ambition shown by the councils, adding that while decisions on future devolution plans are yet to be made, the Government remains open to working with areas like Wessex as it continues to extend devolution across England.
The Wessex Partnership will continue engaging with government to secure a deal that could give the region more control over local priorities and public spending.