The councils of Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) have unveiled a series of ambitious cross-regional projects as they intensify their push for a devolution deal. Together, these councils aim to secure greater autonomy and funding by forming a mayoral strategic authority that would surpass their individual capacities.
Earlier this year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service highlighted efforts by these Liberal Democrat-led councils to revive the Wessex Partnership’s presence on the government’s radar after their exclusion from the initial tranche of devolution applications.
The councils argue that a combined authority could attract significantly more investment for major infrastructure ventures than they could independently. Notably, in June’s Spending Review, the government allocated £752 million to the West of England combined authority for improvements such as a proposed mass transit system serving Bristol.
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Building on this momentum, the Wessex Partnership has introduced four key initiatives:
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Wessex Joint Growth Plan: Coordinating economic development, housing, and infrastructure investment across local authority boundaries to foster sustainable regional growth.
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Wessex Infrastructure Strategy: Enhancing public transport to be more reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly, bridging urban and rural communities.
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Wessex Local Nature Recovery Strategy: Committing to protect and restore the region’s natural habitats, biodiversity, and green spaces.
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Innovation and Defence Engagement: Collaborating with UKRI, Innovate UK, and the Ministry of Defence to bolster business innovation, explore hosting the UK Defence Innovation facility, and foster a thriving defence cluster.
In a joint statement, council leaders Millie Earl, Nick Ireland, Bill Revans, and Ian Thorn expressed optimism: “By working together, our region demonstrates readiness for greater powers and responsibilities. These projects mirror our shared priorities—better transport, a flourishing natural environment, and sustainable economic progress. We are united in our ambition to secure a devolution deal that delivers tangible benefits for our communities.”
Beyond funding, the Wessex Partnership seeks central government’s support for establishing strategic relationships with bodies like the Crown Estate and Defence Infrastructure Organisation, advancing AI Growth Zone bids, and maintaining vital institutions such as the UK Health Security Agency at Porton.
While the partnership remains open to Swindon Borough Council joining, the latter continues to explore forming a Thames Valley combined authority with neighboring councils along the M4 corridor.