Council leaders across Wessex are pressing ministers to allow the region to move ahead with a devolution deal, warning that delays could hold back investment and growth.
The call comes ahead of the Local Government Financial Settlement expected this week, with leaders from Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole saying Wessex is already well placed to deliver devolution as all four councils operate as unitary authorities.
They point to the English Devolution White Paper, which links enhanced funding to agreed devolution deals, and say that without one Wessex risks missing out on future investment available to other areas.
Councillor Nick Ireland, Councillor Bill Revans, Councillor Ian Thorn and Councillor Millie Earl said government action was needed now, adding that Wessex is ready to move forward and should not be delayed while other regions progress.
Analysis by the four councils suggests a Wessex Strategic Authority could help close a funding gap, unlock an estimated sixteen billion pounds in additional gross value added over thirty years, and attract public and private investment.
The councils say this would support sectors where Wessex already has national strengths, including defence, clean energy, digital technologies and life sciences, while delivering better outcomes for communities and improved value for taxpayers.
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