Wessex devolution hopes revived as Andy Burnham promises biggest shift of power from Whitehall
The leader of Dorset Council is optimistic The Wessex Partnership will finally go ahead with Andy Burnham as Prime Minister
Dorset’s long-running campaign for greater control over transport, housing and investment could receive a significant boost after Andy Burnham pledged the biggest-ever transfer of power from Whitehall to England’s regions.
The soon-to-be Prime Minister, who has spent almost a decade championing devolution, has promised a sweeping redistribution of powers that would hand local leaders’ greater responsibility over key public services, infrastructure and economic growth.
For Dorset, the announcement could breathe new life into plans for a mayoral authority after it was overlooked in the Government’s first wave of devolution deals.
The proposed Wessex Partnership, bringing together Dorset Council, BCP Council, Somerset Council and Wiltshire Council, has been lobbying ministers to create a Mayoral Strategic Authority covering the four areas.
The partnership was formed to secure the kind of long-term funding settlements already enjoyed by regions such as Greater Manchester, enabling councils to make coordinated decisions on transport, housing, infrastructure and economic development.
Mr Burnham has consistently argued that the mayoral model gives local government “the chance to be more empowered” while allowing leaders to promote the interests of an entire region rather than individual authorities.
His approach has helped Greater Manchester become one of the Government’s trailblazer areas for integrated funding settlements, giving local leaders greater freedom over how public money is spent.
The leader of Dorset Council has expressed optimism that the Wessex Partnership can now secure ministerial backing after missing out on the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme.
Without a deal, council leaders warn the region risks losing access to millions of pounds available to established mayoral combined authorities, potentially leaving Dorset at a disadvantage when competing for investment.
The partnership's vision extends beyond funding. It includes a directly elected mayor to oversee the region, a shared strategy for infrastructure and economic growth, and coordinated planning for environmental recovery.