South West Councils Support UK Government Devolution Plans

South West Councils, representing 29 local authorities including those in Wiltshire, voiced support for the Government of the United Kingdom's commitment to expand devolution across England by 2028. The initiative seeks to shift power and funding from Whitehall to regional areas to better address localized needs.

Bill Revans, chair of South West Councils, welcomed the commitment, arguing that a "top-down, one-size-fits-all model can never work in all places." He stated that transferring authority is a "potent catalyst" for plans that respond to the unique settings of different regions.

The effort aims to combat specific regional issues in the South West, including an aging population, high housing costs relative to earnings, and public spending per capita that remains below average. This push for devolution builds upon the existing Voice of the South West programme, which focuses on economic development, finance, health, and housing to stimulate regional growth.