‘Autonomy for Wessex’ – well not quite, but Wilts LibDems pushing for more devolution for the West

Wiltshire Council, now under LibDem majority control is joining with other adjacent LibDem controlled Local Authorities – Somerset, Dorset and BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) to push for devolution and the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Wessex.

A joint statement issued by the leaders of BCP, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Councils – Cllr Millie Earl, Cllr Nick Ireland, Cllr Bill Revans and Cllr Ian Thorn, said: 

“This is an important step forward for the Wessex Partnership. By working together, we are showing that our region is ready to take on greater powers and responsibilities. These projects reflect our shared priorities – better transport, a thriving natural environment and sustainable economic growth. We are united in our ambition to secure a devolution deal that delivers real benefits for our communities.”

What would this mean for Marlborough if this were ever to get any traction and progress? The objectives set out include:

• A Wessex Joint Growth Plan – to coordinate economic development, housing and infrastructure investment across local authority boundaries
• Wessex plans for infrastructure – given the fundamental link between growth, the environment and transport, these will be integrated with a future spatial development strategy. Work will also take place on delivering more reliable, affordable, and greener public transport across urban and rural communities
• A Wessex Local Nature Recovery Strategy – to protect and enhance the region’s natural environment, biodiversity and green spaces.

Difficult to say what effect there would be here locally, other than there would (likely) be a Mayor of Wessex, and below central Parliamentary Government there would be three rather than two levels of authority between each of us and those who exercise real control. Bureaucracy – more for sure, and that always costs and a wider range of influential views which – on the one hand can create more possible solutions to key issues, but on the other can create areas for conflict, debate and disagreement – which all add to time, effort, cost, and ultimate decisions when making happen what is really necessary. A good initiative? Can’t say, but it’s a Political initiative, with LibDems taking aim at Government, at present Labour.