North Somerset is poised to join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) by the end of the year, marking a significant shift since the council opted out during WECA’s inception in 2017. Council leader Mike Bell acknowledged this change, stating, “The mayoral authority is a force for good in the region — we need to be part of it.”
In September, North Somerset Council voted to initiate the process of joining WECA. Bell admitted, “North Somerset Council made a mistake by not joining the combined authority in the first place. Regardless of opinions, mayoral strategic authorities are essential for driving growth and ambitious regional plans.”
West of England Mayor Helen Godwin emphasized that WECA was designed for inclusion of North Somerset, calling the move a “no brainer.” She highlighted a new government-backed deal that brings millions of pounds in investment for local projects and assures ongoing funding support based on the expanded geography. “This will have a real impact on communities across the region,” Godwin said.
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The government has pledged £15 million in funding to WECA for “short-term projects” contingent on North Somerset’s membership. While specific allocations are yet to be decided, Godwin promised swift benefits for North Somerset residents upon joining.
A six to eight-week public consultation on North Somerset’s membership will begin after a meeting of WECA leaders on January 30. Bell encouraged local residents to participate actively, describing this as a pivotal moment to secure maximum benefits from devolved powers and funding.
This move aligns with Labour’s English devolution reforms, which require all councils to join “strategic authorities.” The government has agreed to cover up to £1 million of the associated costs—a relief for North Somerset, which had initially faced expenditures of £290,000 amid budget pressures.
Following the consultation expected in February and March, government ministers will review the results in early summer. Formal approval by the Secretary of State and subsequent legislation will likely confirm North Somerset’s full member status in late 2026 or early 2027.
Despite joining WECA, North Somerset residents won’t vote for a new West of England mayor until the next election in 2029. Godwin acknowledged this electoral timeline but stressed that benefits from membership can materialize much sooner. She also noted that WECA operates by committee decisions involving the mayor and member council leaders, ensuring shared governance.
Although not yet a full member, North Somerset has actively collaborated with WECA, including efforts to reopen the Portishead Railway. Since Godwin’s election in May 2024, North Somerset has even participated as an observer on the WECA committee.
Godwin highlighted recent successes such as providing 1.1 million free bus journeys through the “kids go free” campaign and securing approval for the Bristol to Portishead railway line reopening. These achievements exemplify WECA’s fresh approach in delivering regional growth and services.
Joining WECA would restore the combined authority’s footprint to that of the former County of Avon, a Bristol-centric county abolished in 1996 due to unpopularity. Bell dismissed concerns that this signals a return to the old Avon days. “Mayoral strategic authorities are not county councils,” he explained. “North Somerset Council will continue to deliver local services independently while benefiting from ambitious growth plans and greater access to government funding through the combined authority.”
Bell concluded, “This is not a return to Avon. It’s about embracing the future and maximizing opportunities together.”