News / Politics
Crucial devolution deal decision due
Proposals for a government devolution deal for the West of England are set to be discussed by Bristol City Council, Bath & North East Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire councillors.
The councils will meet separately on 29 June to consider the deal which could be worth £1 billion to the West of England.
North Somerset Councillors have already voted to reject the deal saying it was not good enough.
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In Bristol the deal will be considered by both Cabinet and Full Council.
Bristol’s newly elected mayor Marvin Rees, said: “The deal would unlock £1 billion worth of additional investment in the West of England and bring more local decision making to areas such as transport, housing and skills.
“This includes Government’s requirement for a regional mayor to oversee these devolved arrangements. We have negotiated the best available deal from Government; it is now over to councillors to have their say.
“Councillors will be considering all aspects of the deal before making an informed choice about what the Council thinks is the best course of action for the people of Bristol.”
Cllr Matthew Riddle, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “If accepted, the deal would devolve significant powers to the region, including decisions about transport, investment, funding, skills training, business support, housing and strategic planning.
“All of this will benefit South Gloucestershire as these issues are bigger than any single local authority boundary, but joint decisions will reflect local priorities.
“The deal on offer is among the best negotiated across the country, and it is conditional on the introduction of an elected West of England mayor to oversee these devolved arrangements.”
Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council have indicated that they support devolution, while Bath and North East Somerset Council has not yet stated a preference.
If the proposed deal moves forward, the councils would work together as a group known as the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
The next stage will be for local people to make their views known to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government as part of a public consultation during July and August, before the Government takes a final decision in October.
If the deal moves ahead, an election for a West of England Mayor would take place in May 2017.
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