Disappointment for Dorset’s Wessex devolution plans

In a joint statement, the leaders of BCP, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Councils, Cllr Millie Earl, Cllr Nick Ireland, Cllr Bill Revans and Cllr Richard Clewer, said:

“Despite the fact that we felt government were moving too quickly to deliver devolution, and our discussion about the format of Mayoral Strategic Authority as the most appropriate solution for our region, we worked collaboratively with ministers throughout to deliver a strong proposal. Therefore, the decision not to include Wessex within the Devolution Priority Programme is extremely disappointing. 

“We feel the Wessex proposal aligned with the aims of the White Paper, encompassing a population of approximately 1.9 million, with the region well-placed to support the government’s growth priorities, particularly in clean energy, defence, digital technologies, life sciences, and tourism.  The area could now miss out on essential funding and, combined with the likely defunding of pan-regional partnerships and the substantial reduction in the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the fact that this will now be delayed when we are ready to go is deeply regrettable.”

The government announced the plans for every English region to have an elected mayor to oversee housing, planning, education and other services in December. Elections for the new mayor of Wessex would have been held in May 2026. With the government snubbing the Wessex proposal, it is not clear what the next steps for devolution in the area will be.