North Somerset Consultation on whether to join WECA run by WECA? Deadline 10th April 2026 - entitled 'Expanding the West of England Combined Authority into North Somerset' !!
| Consultation | Opens | Closes | Information | |
| Expanding the West of England Combined Authority into North Somerset | 10Apr 2026 at 23:59pm | "This consultation seeks views from residents and organisations across all parts of the West of England on a proposal for expansion of the West of England Combined Authority to incorporate North Somerset Council." |
Online consultation and Consultation pdf
website page 11th March 2026 with 10Apr 2026 at 23:59 now 10am!! UPDATE: Consultatin reopened to 23:59!! BOB response
Just look at the growth of housing development in South Glos and BANES. How much money is this West of England CONSTRUCTION Authority (WECA) consultation costing tax payers? Why is it not run by North Somerset Council?
WECA (consisting of Bristol, South Glos and BANES) is holding a consultation called quite clearly 'Expanding the West of England Combined Authority into North Somerset’
This is NOT a referendum. As far as we are aware there will be NO independent consultation for North Somerset residents. your voice will only be heard via this consultation, or by speaking to your NSC councillors directly, before they vote to join WECA in May.
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said:
“I hope that people across the area will get involved in the consultation and share their views. This is a pivotal point for North Somerset which will enable us to ensure that our local communities get maximum benefit from powers – and funding – being devolved from central government [to WECA]. Our region is stronger when working together and I hope the expansion will be supported so we can deliver lasting improvements for everyone across the West.” (PDF)
It is NOT clear what specific powers NSC will give up to the regional WECA to ‘expand into North Somerset’. However, regional development and deployment powers and decisions will be given to the WECA. For example,
the WECA “… Spatial Development Strategy will set the overall direction for infrastructure over the long-term, determining the needs of the region in terms of housing and associated infrastructure.”
The effect on our communities and local representation and democracy is NOT clear.
As indicated previously, NSC has not published its Local Plan, for expample clearly stating its polices to protect the rural communities and land needed food production..
It is NOT clear what specific funding and potential future taxes would arise from joining WECA. The LGA state,
“All CAs [Combined Authorities] can be funded by their constituent councils through a levy... Elected [WECA] mayors can raise additional resources through a precept (or additional charge) on local council tax bills… All CAs will have the power to borrow money under the local government prudential borrowing regime.” (PDF)
This highlights the importance of responding to this consultation, especially with regards to farmiing, food production and food security.
Devolution and WECA Mayor - Some Sept 24 BOB Blog Extracts:
- Populations are different in the four regions
- approx Bristol 483K (42%), South Glos 263K (23%), North Somerset 203K (18%) & 196K (17%) - will any vote/referendum, if offered, skew outcomes? especially if areas vote together. What will happen to NSC land and food security?
- BBC 2016 NSC vote against West 'Metro Mayor' plan during government £1bn devolution plan.
- " Mr Ashton also said any future "resources or powers" would be controlled autonomously by the proposed mayor leaving the local authorities "with no say in it whatsoever".
- "We have worked hard with our fellow West of England partners to get the best available deal for the area, but too much remains that we are not prepared to support". He said the money offered would have to be borrowed, with around £400m spent on interest rates. (17JUN16)C
- Current NSC Leader, Mike Bell, stated in the Draft Corporate Plan (pg7) (now removed from its final consultation version)
- "Weston-super-Mare – our largest town is set to become the second biggest settlement in the West of England over the next decade." At the 4 October public meeting Cllr Mike Bell, confirmed that this would be second to Bristol!
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See also:
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