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Joining West of England Combined Authority Could Cost North Somerset Nearly £300k

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 northsomerset weca combinedauthority regionalfunding localgovernment devolution metromayor avon transport consultation

North Somerset Council is poised to consider spending almost £300,000 to join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), a regional partnership that includes Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. At the full council meeting on September 16, councillors will vote on whether to initiate a year-long membership process. North Somerset initially resisted joining WECA, concerned it resembled a mayoral-led resurrection of the former County of Avon. However, recent concerns about missing out on vital government funding have prompted a reassessment.