Three Key Benefits of North Somerset Joining the West of England Combined Authority

After nearly a decade of remaining outside, North Somerset is poised to join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) — but what will this mean for local residents?

In September 2025, North Somerset Council voted in favor of joining WECA. A public consultation is scheduled for early 2026, and pending parliamentary approval, North Somerset could become a full WECA member by late 2026 or early 2027.

When WECA was created in 2017, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset joined, but North Somerset opted out, wary of repeating the disappointments experienced during the former Avon county era. However, current council leadership insists that WECA is a distinct, cooperative authority that will not replace North Somerset Council. Instead, joining WECA will allow the combined authority and its mayor to exercise devolved powers across the expanded region.

According to North Somerset’s leader, “Not joining WECA initially was a mistake. Mayoral combined authorities are now the main drivers of growth and development.” But what does this mean in practical terms? Here are three major ways residents can expect positive changes:

Increased Funding and Investment
Joining WECA means North Somerset will gain access to larger government funding pots. The UK government is keen on devolving funds to regions with combined authorities led by elected mayors. WECA’s budget for the upcoming financial year is set at £416 million, covering areas such as public transport, housing, skills development, employment, and even home retrofitting. Currently, North Somerset misses out on these opportunities. Local leaders estimate “hundreds of millions of pounds” have been lost by staying outside WECA. Furthermore, the government has pledged an immediate £15 million to support short-term projects in North Somerset upon joining, ensuring local communities see quick benefits.
A Strong Voice and Greater Influence in Regional Decisions
North Somerset representatives have been attending WECA meetings as observers since May 2025, but membership means a full voting seat on the WECA committee — the main decision-making body chaired by the West of England mayor. This gives North Somerset leaders a direct say on major investments, budgets, and regional strategies. The combined authority fosters cross-border cooperation on major public services, infrastructure, and coordinated housing development, allowing North Somerset to work collaboratively with its neighbors on shared challenges.
Participation in Mayoral Elections and Regional Governance
Residents of North Somerset will gain the democratic right to vote for the West of England mayor in the next election scheduled for 2029. Although the area will be represented by a sitting mayor from late 2026, locals will have waited nearly three years to participate in the mayoral vote. Despite this delay, the mayor and the WECA committee make decisions collectively, emphasizing collaborative governance. When North Somerset residents do gain their vote in 2029, their influence could prove decisive in what is one of the most politically diverse regions in the UK.

By joining WECA, North Somerset stands to benefit from increased funding, stronger representation, and a meaningful role in shaping the region’s future — marking a new chapter for local residents and policymakers alike.