Next week, North Somerset councillors will make a critical decision on whether the area should join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). The final council vote on May 12 will determine if North Somerset becomes part of the mayor-led combined authority alongside Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) by late 2026 or early 2027.
The government has emphasized its ambition for “universal coverage” of combined authorities across England. A council report ahead of the vote cautions that if North Somerset rejects joining, the government might still impose membership regardless.
Back in September 2025, the council began the process with a public consultation, despite vocal concerns from some councillors who warned that joining WECA may resurrect the unpopular boundaries of the former Avon County Council (1974-1996). Of the 714 residents who responded, 50% supported joining WECA, 45% opposed, and 5% remained neutral.
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Membership in the combined authority promises closer collaboration on transport and planning, along with increased government funding. North Somerset has already been cooperating with WECA in some areas, and the government has pledged £15 million for “short-term projects” contingent on North Somerset joining.
WECA is led by West of England Mayor Helen Godwin, but most key funding decisions are made by a committee comprising leaders from all member councils.
The decision remains controversial locally due to fears of reviving Avon’s old administrative borders. Critics also highlight democratic concerns since the next mayoral election isn’t until 2029, meaning North Somerset could be governed by a mayor its residents never voted for for several years.
If North Somerset opts to join, it plans to request WECA establish a citizen’s panel to guide policymaking and embed “co-creation” principles into the authority’s constitution. The council would also seek a commitment from the mayor to meet with North Somerset councillors at least annually to address concerns.
Full membership requires approval from the Secretary of State and legislative action by Parliament, with a formal transition expected by late 2026 or early 2027. WECA was created in 2017, but North Somerset initially declined to join; Council Leader Mike Bell now calls that “a mistake.”
On the same day, councillors will also vote on awarding Live Nation the contract to manage a new 10,000-capacity arena at the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare.