North Somerset Council is considering a significant financial commitment—nearly £300,000—to join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which includes Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. On September 16, councillors will vote on whether to begin the year-long process of becoming a WECA member.
Previously, North Somerset rejected membership amidst fears that WECA represented a mayoral-led revival of the former County of Avon. However, recent assessments suggest that remaining outside WECA limits North Somerset’s access to important government funding.
A report presented ahead of the council meeting details the costs involved, highlighting that £290,000 has been earmarked to cover staff, specialist support, and consultations required for the membership process. This process involves an eight-week public consultation, subsequent council vote, and Parliamentary approval before full membership can be granted.
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It remains unclear whether North Somerset’s membership would take effect immediately or after the next mayoral election in 2029. Joining beforehand would place the area under the authority of current WECA mayor Helen Godwin, elected this May despite North Somerset residents not participating in that election. Godwin’s narrow victory over Reform UK’s Arron Banks raised concerns locally, echoing previous cautious sentiments voiced by councillor Thomas Daw about joining WECA depending on election outcomes.
Despite lacking voting rights, North Somerset representatives have already been attending WECA committee meetings post-Godwin’s election. Cooperation with WECA has expanded in areas like the bus service improvement plan and the Portishead Railway reopening.
The key driver behind reconsidering WECA membership is the government’s renewed emphasis on regional partnerships and the associated funding—such as a recently announced £750 million transport fund allocated exclusively to WECA. Without membership, North Somerset risks missing out on significant capital and revenue streams crucial for local projects.
However, membership is not without financial obligations. The other WECA councils currently contribute a ‘transport levy’ towards bus services, and North Somerset would likely be expected to do the same. These costs will require thorough negotiation and formal council approval.
Last year, North Somerset Council formally expressed its interest in joining WECA, a move welcomed by the then local government minister Jim McMahon. While there have been discussions about alternative regional groups—such as the proposed Heart of Wessex Combined Authority encompassing Somerset and neighboring areas—the government has indicated such proposals do not meet current geographic criteria.
As North Somerset moves closer to a conclusive decision, councillors must weigh the benefits of increased funding and regional influence against the financial costs and concerns about local representation within WECA.