Next week, North Somerset councillors will cast their decisive vote on whether the area should join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), a mayor-led regional body that currently includes Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES).
The critical council meeting, scheduled for May 12, could see North Somerset officially become part of WECA by late 2026 or early 2027 if the vote passes. However, a council report warns that, regardless of the outcome, the government may override local decisions and enforce North Somerset’s membership to ensure “universal coverage” of combined authorities across England.
This follows a 2025 consultation process initiated by councillors despite concerns that joining WECA may revive unpopular regional structures reminiscent of the former Avon County Council, which was abolished in 1996 amid public dissatisfaction.
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Of the 714 North Somerset residents who took part in the consultation, just over half supported joining WECA, while 45% opposed the move, and 5% remained neutral.
Joining WECA promises closer collaboration on key matters such as transport and urban planning and could unlock additional government funding. Indeed, the government has pledged £15 million to WECA for immediate “short-term projects” contingent on North Somerset’s inclusion. Although North Somerset has been cooperating with WECA on some initiatives already, this formal integration would deepen ties and decision-making coordination.
The authority is led by Mayor Helen Godwin, with major funding decisions made collectively by a committee comprising the leaders of the member councils. Yet, concerns linger over democratic representation, since the next mayoral election is not until 2029, meaning North Somerset residents would be governed by a mayor they did not elect for several years.
Should the vote to join succeed, North Somerset council intends to propose the establishment of a citizen’s panel to enhance public involvement in policymaking and seek a formal commitment from the mayor to hold at least annual meetings with councillors to address local issues.
Final membership will require approval by the Secretary of State and enabling legislation passed through Parliament, processes expected to conclude by late 2026 or early 2027.
Council leader Mike Bell has acknowledged that declining to join WECA in 2017 was “a mistake.” With the vote imminent, North Somerset stands at a crossroads between regional cooperation and local autonomy.
On the same day, councillors will also decide whether to award Live Nation the contract to operate the 10,000-capacity Tropicana arena in Weston-super-Mare.