Local leaders welcome devolution deal for Wessex announced as part of Budget
The leaders of four local authorities have said it's a significant vote of confidence from the government in the region
Last updated 28th Oct 2026
Local leaders have welcomed plans for a devolution deal for the Wessex region announced as part of the Government’s autumn Budget.
The proposed Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority would bring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole together with Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, with powers and funding currently held in Whitehall transferred to the region.
A Mayoral Strategic Authority is a regional tier of local government in England, chaired by a directly elected mayor, which coordinates powers and funding devolved from Whitehall across several local authority areas.
A joint statement was issued by Councillor Millie Earl, leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, Councillor Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council, Councillor Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, and Councillor Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council.
The leaders said: "We warmly welcome the Chancellor's commitment today to support devolution for Wessex in the Autumn Budget Statement."
"This is a significant vote of confidence in our region and recognition that decisions affecting local people are best made closer to the communities they serve."
"We have consistently made a strong case for devolution in Wessex because we believe local people, businesses and communities are best placed to shape the future of our region.
"For residents, it means greater local control over decisions affecting transport, housing, skills, regeneration and economic growth, enabling new, significant funding and investment to be directed towards the priorities that matter most to our communities.
"For Wessex, devolution has the potential to help create better-paid jobs, support our town centres and high streets, improve access to skills and training and strengthen transport connections. Above all, it is about ensuring that decisions affecting the future of Wessex are shaped here.
"Elsewhere in England, devolution has already opened up significant benefits for residents and businesses. For residents, this devolution deal could mean tackling the local housing crisis by building the right homes in the right places, improved infrastructure that will better link our communities, better jobs, better protection for our precious environment and more powers to reinvent our town centres as places where businesses want to invest and people want to be.
"Wessex is ready. We have done the groundwork and look forward to continuing to work closely with Government on an agreement that delivers lasting benefits for our residents, businesses and communities for generations."
Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes has also welcomed the plans despite some concerns about how a devolution deal will affect Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.
Mr Hayes said: “When the Chancellor offers you tens of millions of pounds for your town and the Prime Minister tells you Bournemouth is a priority for his government, you get around the table, negotiate good terms, and work to make the deal a success.
“I’m hungry for more investment in Bournemouth on top of the government funding for Pokesdown Station, policing, and NHS facilities, and I’ll be fighting very, very hard to secure it.
“Local people will share some of my concerns about joining Wessex, so let me offer some reassurance.
“I have concerns about BCP’s needs being ignored within a rural area, so I’ve pushed for funded recognition of our distinct economic sectors, including tourism.
“I worry about BCP’s capacity to negotiate, so I’ve pushed for specialist support to fight our corner.
“I worry about our area losing out financially to other councils, so I’ve pushed for substantial, long-term, protected funding for BCP which can’t be moved elsewhere.
“Crucially, the people driving Bournemouth forward, in our colleges, universities, and major employers, will be working alongside me to secure the money our town needs.
“Having worked closely with the Government, I believe we have protections in place for Bournemouth to fulfil our ambitions.
“Like colleagues and friends leading our amazing colleges, universities, and businesses, I believe our best days are ahead.”
Phil Sayles, Principal and Chief Executive of Bournemouth & Poole College, said: ”A devolution deal for BCP within Wessex is good news, as it will bring more resources and local control over the funding needed to develop local people’s skills.
“Bournemouth and Poole College stands ready to work alongside others and help shape what happens next.”
Professor Lesley Haig, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Health Sciences University, said: “I welcome the opportunities devolution presents for our region.
“However, it is vital that universities, colleges, employers, and business leaders have a meaningful voice in shaping the decisions that follow.
“As a university rooted in Bournemouth, HSU stands ready to play its part, ensuring Bournemouth is front and centre as our region shapes its future.”