North Somerset Council has initiated a year-long formal process to join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), reigniting fears about a return to the much-maligned County of Avon.
At the contentious council meeting on September 16, members debated a proposal to develop and consult on WECA membership. Council leader Mike Bell (Weston-super-Mare Central, Liberal Democrat) emphasized the political reality: “Devolution, regardless of our opinions, remains a core priority for both this government and the last.”
Bell argued it was preferable to engage proactively to shape the arrangement to fit North Somerset’s needs rather than have it imposed externally.
READ MORE: Backwell Villagers Protest Plans to Double Village Size with 1,600 New Homes
READ MORE: Somerset Nursery Celebrated by Ofsted Criticizes Inspection Impact
However, some veteran councillors voiced strong reservations about joining forces again with Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire. Independent councillor David Shopland (Clevedon East) noted, “Having fought to dismantle Avon Council, I cannot support forming a Greater Bristol authority—that is effectively what this is.”
Conservative Peter Burden (Portishead South) described the concept as a “Bristol-centric tinpot city region,” warning it would center power in Bristol at North Somerset’s expense. Independent Caritas Charles (Portishead East) criticized the mayoral model as “not genuine devolution,” fearing it would dilute local voices and reduce community influence to rubber-stamping decisions already made in London.
Green councillor Bridget Petty (Backwell) acknowledged the government’s push for strategic partnerships falls short of true devolution, but accepted the practical realities: “If the funding is at WECA, rejecting it would be naïve.”
Charles bluntly summed it up: “We’re trading some democratic freedoms for cash.”
Bell admitted reservations about the mayoral system but pointed out North Somerset’s historical loss of funding for vital areas such as culture, transport, and youth programs. “This is serious money the community is missing out on.”
When WECA formed in 2017, North Somerset—then Conservative-controlled—opted not to join. A 2020 proposal faltered amid opposition from Bristol’s Labour mayor Marvin Rees, who conditioned North Somerset’s membership on financial benefits for Bristol and the regional economy.
The initial cost to North Somerset Council of the consultation and membership process is estimated at £290,000. Charles criticized this expense as imposed by central government priorities rather than local demands. Bell has petitioned the government twice to cover these costs.
Despite the controversy, the majority of councillors voted to proceed, with only eight opposing. The next steps include an eight-week consultation within North Somerset and existing WECA members, followed by another council vote and final Parliamentary approval. The report noted uncertainty over whether membership would start immediately or after the 2029 mayoral election.
The shadow of Avon, abolished in 1996, still stirs debate, even among councillors who never lived under the old county system. Thomas Daw (Winford, Green), 22, urged moving forward: “Past failures shouldn’t dictate our future.”
In contrast, 26-year-old Conservative Michael Pryke (Clevedon Walton) warned against repeating history: “This is essentially a rebranded Avon. To pretend otherwise is madness.”
As North Somerset considers its future, the ghost of Avon looms large, ensuring the debate over regional identity and local power will continue.