regionalism on Somerset Dailyhttps://somersetdaily.co.uk/tags/regionalism/Recent content in regionalism on Somerset DailyHugo -- gohugo.ioen-usTue, 14 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000'Democratic Principle' at Risk as North Somerset Considers Joining WECA, Warns Councillorhttps://somersetdaily.co.uk/democratic-principle-at-risk-as-north-somerset-considers-joining-weca-warns-councillor/Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000https://somersetdaily.co.uk/democratic-principle-at-risk-as-north-somerset-considers-joining-weca-warns-councillor/A local councillor has raised concerns that the “democratic principle” could be undermined if North Somerset joins the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) under a mayor the area did not elect. North Somerset Council is poised to become a member of WECA, potentially by the end of the year. This move promises millions in additional government funding and improved collaboration across local boundaries. However, Caritas Charles, independent councillor for Portishead East, cautions that the democratic legitimacy of the arrangement is at stake.