Consultation planned on North Somerset joining the West of England Combined Authority
Public invited to share views as plans for regional authority expansion take shape
A public consultation is set to take place on a proposal for North Somerset Council to join the West of England Combined Authority.
If the move goes ahead, North Somerset would become a full member alongside Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire councils.
What does the proposal involve?
The combined authority, which is led by a directly elected mayor, coordinates regional projects in transport, housing, and economic development.
Adding North Somerset would bring its population into decisions made at a regional level, increasing the authority’s coverage by 23% and expanding it to 1.225 million people.
The move follows requirements in the Government’s English Devolution White Paper that every council area must join a regional strategic authority.
Officials say North Somerset fits with the geography and economic reality of how the area works, but residents will be invited to share their views before any decisions are made.
So far, government negotiations have unlocked £15 million in short-term funding for projects in the region if North Somerset joins, along with £1 million to support the process.
Views from council leaders
“I hope that people across the area will get involved in the consultation and share their views," said Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council.
"This is a pivotal point for North Somerset which will enable us to ensure that our local communities get maximum benefit from powers – and funding – being devolved from central government.
"Our region is stronger when working together and I hope the expansion will be supported so we can deliver lasting improvements for everyone across the West.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: "We are building a better future with more regional powers to deliver more for local people. Millions of pounds more for local projects, and a commitment to greater funding in future based on our larger geography, would make a real difference for communities across our region."
Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Deputy Mayor, said: “At the heart of this is the need to secure as much investment as we can for our region for the benefit of our economy and all our communities."
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: “This consultation marks an important next step towards potentially welcoming North Somerset fully into the West of England Combined Authority. We’ve already seen that the closer working between our local authorities and the Mayor is bearing fruit and creating new opportunities to deliver our ambitions for our region."
What happens next?
The consultation is expected to be discussed at a meeting of the Mayor and regional council leaders on 30th January. If plans are approved, residents will have six to eight weeks in February and March to give feedback on the idea.
Once findings have been assessed and a final decision made, North Somerset could become part of the authority from 2026 or 2027, subject to legislation drafting and approval. This expansion could also help the region secure new powers as an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority, a status held by regions such as Manchester and West Yorkshire.
The Mayor of the West of England is next due for election in May 2029.