Public backs council joining combined authority

Plans for North Somerset Council to join the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) have received the backing of the public.

Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset formed Weca in 2017 but North Somerset opted out.

Last year, councillors approved plans to make a formal application to join, and more than half of those who responded to an eight-week public consultation said they supported the idea.

North Somerset Council leader, Mike Bell said it showed "people believe we are stronger together" while West of England Mayor, Helen Godwin, said North Somerset has "felt like the missing piece of our devolution jigsaw".

Some 1,273 people took part in the consultation, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The results showed 56.7% backed the idea, 37.6% were against it, while the remaining respondents were unsure.

Mr Bell, who called the decision not to join Weca in 2017 "a mistake", said he welcomed the response.

"The clear message coming through from those that took part is that people believe we are stronger together, able to make faster progress in reducing inequality and unlocking access to more impactful funding that can deliver real benefits for North Somerset," he said.

The four unitary authorities of North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire formed Avon County Council in 1974 in a controversial merger.

The county council was dissolved in 1996, creating four unitary authorities. Three of those formed Weca, but not North Somerset.

West of England Mayor Helen Godwin said: "North Somerset has felt like the missing piece of our devolution jigsaw over the last nine years — not only for all local council leaders but for businesses and residents around the region.

"Since May, we have secured around £1bn of investment from national government, a figure that — like our regional economy — will keep growing as we make the West Country's voice heard in this new chapter."

Ministers will consider the consultation findings, but subject to approval by the secretary of state and legislation being passed, North Somerset could become a full member of Weca from late 2026 or early 2027.

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