UK Government Announces Devolution Deal for Wessex Region
The UK Government established the Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority to transfer powers over transport, housing, and economic growth to a newly elected regional mayor.
The Government of the United Kingdom announced a devolution deal for the Wessex region as part of the autumn Budget, creating the Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority. This new regional tier of local government will be led by a directly elected mayor who will coordinate powers and funding transferred from Whitehall across Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, and the area of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The authority is designed to grant local control over housing, transport, skills, regeneration, and economic growth to improve infrastructure and create better-paid jobs. Local government bodies, including the councils of Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, welcomed the move as a vote of confidence in the region.
Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes expressed concerns that the specific economic needs of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole might be overlooked within a broader rural regional context. He sought protected funding and specialist support to ensure the area's distinct sectors are recognized. Hayes stated that when the Chancellor offers tens of millions of pounds and the Prime Minister identifies the town as a priority, it is necessary to negotiate good terms to make the deal a success.
