The West of England is once again facing a familiar debate—the possible revival of the County of Avon, a regional authority created in 1974 and abolished just 22 years later due to unpopularity and local opposition.
Avon was formed during the sweeping local government reforms of the 1970s, bringing together parts of Somerset and Gloucestershire under a Bristol-centric administration. Many long-serving local councillors remember it as the “bad old days of Avon,” underscoring a period characterized by a loss of local identity and centralized control. The county’s official headquarters, repurposed as a Premier Inn, was demolished in 2025—seemingly signaling the definitive end of the Avon experiment.
Yet, under Labour’s current English Devolution plans, the shape of local government is once again changing, prompting fears that 2026 could see Avon’s legacy effectively resurrected in a new form.
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Post-Avon, four unitary authorities—North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, and Bath and North East Somerset—took over governance, replacing the county council. Unlike Avon’s ceremonial identity, these unitary councils focused primarily on service delivery rather than fostering a sense of regional pride. The government now encourages all councils to become unitary authorities coordinated under combined authorities led by elected mayors, streamlining governance and boosting regional cooperation.
The West of England Combined Authority, established in 2017 and led by an elected mayor, already encompasses Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset. North Somerset initially refused to join, fearing a return to “the bad old days” but later reversed its stance in 2020—only to be blocked by Bristol. However, increasing pressure from the government to unify governance under combined authorities now has North Somerset council considering membership once more.
In a September 2025 meeting, North Somerset councillors began the process of consulting on joining the West of England Combined Authority, sparking intense debate. Opponents labeled the move as a “Greater Bristol authority,” warning it would replicate Avon’s Bristol-centered dominance. Councillor David Shopland emphasized his long-standing opposition to Avon, while others like Michael Pryke called the proposal “reformed Avon” and “madness.”
Council leader Mike Bell advocated engagement to influence the process, noting devolution is a priority for current and past governments and emphasizing the importance of shaping outcomes to suit North Somerset’s interests.
While the geographic borders of a combined authority including North Somerset closely resemble those of the former Avon county, their governance models differ significantly. Avon County Council had 76 elected councillors managing extensive services, whereas the combined authority is led by a single mayor who primarily oversees public transport and investment decisions. Member councils participate in key decisions but centralized power remains with the mayor.
Despite not yet being a member, North Somerset has collaborated on projects with the combined authority, such as improving bus services and restoring the Portishead Railway. Council representatives even attend combined authority meetings as observers.
The future may extend beyond just North Somerset’s inclusion. Some Gloucestershire councillors have expressed interest in joining the West of England Combined Authority, which could balance Bristol’s influence given Gloucestershire’s larger population and area.
The process for North Somerset to join involves several steps, including an eight-week public consultation, another council vote, and Parliamentary approval, expected to conclude by 2029—before the next mayoral election. Until then, North Somerset residents might be temporarily governed by a mayor they did not elect, namely Labour’s Helen Godwin, elected in 2024 with a narrow 25% vote share.
While concerns about reviving Avon’s legacy remain strong in North Somerset, the political implications for mayoral elections and regional governance continue to fuel intense discussions about the future shape of local government in the West of England.