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A public consultation launched last week and will run until Friday 10 April.
This follows the Government’s English Devolution White Paper, which requires every local authority area to be part of a strategic authority. The Government has confirmed that WECA is the best fit for North Somerset but has asked the region to seek views before any decision is taken.
Joining WECA could have many benefits for us. We already work closely with West of England partners, but not being a member of WECA means we miss out on significant funding and investment opportunities and we don’t have a full say in decision-making.
Benefits of joining could include:
Collaboration / Interconnectivity: residents and businesses live, work and play across borders – we need to do the same
Representation: we attend WECA meetings – but only get a vote on a limited range of “legacy” issues. Decisions impacting us are made without us having a full voice
Funding: our neighbouring councils have been able to access hundreds of millions of pounds of investment that we have been excluded from because we aren’t part of WECA
A louder voice: our influence and reach as part of a 1m population partnership will be louder than on our own, whether that is in influencing government or in attracting business investment.
The consultation is available on the WECA website. Printed versions of the consultation forms will also be available at libraries, community centres, GP surgeries, and students’ unions throughout the region.
The Council, WECA and Ministers will then consider the consultation findings between April and June before deciding whether to proceed with membership.
Find out more on the WECA website.
You can also watch this helpful video for more information.