Councillors voted to support that North Somerset Council becomes a member of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), at a Full Council meeting held yesterday evening.

The decision follows a formal public consultation earlier this year, which invited residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders to share their views on the proposal. Councillors considered a detailed report summarising the consultation feedback alongside an assessment of the potential benefits, risks and implications for North Somerset.

In agreeing the recommendations, councillors have supported that the Leader of the Council and WECA submit the formal proposal for membership to government. The government will then review the content, and if it finds the proposal acceptable will take steps to legislate for membership.

WECA currently brings together Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol City and South Gloucestershire councils, working with a directly elected mayor on issues that cross council boundaries, including transport, housing, skills, economic development and tackling climate change. The government has identified the West of England as the most appropriate strategic partnership for North Somerset.

Membership of WECA would mean North Somerset having a direct voice at the table in regional decision-making and could provide opportunities to secure greater devolved powers, increased influence over investment priorities, and access to additional funding to support local priorities.

Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said:

“This was an important and carefully considered decision for councillors. We listened closely to the feedback from residents and stakeholders through the consultation and weighed that alongside the evidence about what this could mean for North Somerset.

“By agreeing to progress with joining the West of England Combined Authority, we are taking a step towards gaining a stronger say over decisions that already affect our residents and businesses every day – particularly around transport, jobs, skills and economic growth. This is about ensuring North Somerset’s voice is heard clearly in regional discussions and putting us in the best possible position to secure future investment for our area.”

Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council, said:

“Joining the Combined Authority is about making sure North Somerset is not left on the sidelines when important regional decisions are being made. Many of the issues that matter most to our residents – such as transport connectivity, housing delivery, skills and tackling climate change – do not stop at council boundaries.

“By taking this step, we are strengthening our ability to work collaboratively with neighbouring councils, while continuing to put North Somerset’s priorities first. This decision positions us to secure greater influence and investment for our communities both now and in the future.”

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:

“I’m pleased North Somerset councillors have backed plans to join the Combined Authority. We listened carefully to the views of local people during the recent consultation and it’s clear that there is broad support for moving forward together as a complete region. The last year has been a strong start to a new chapter of real partnership, with the highlight for many North Somerset residents being the start of works in our £200 million joint project to reopen the Portishead Line with new train stations at Pill and Portishead.

“Supported by council leaders, we have negotiated a good deal from government for this expansion: meaning millions of pounds for important local projects in the short-term and a commitment that future funding will take account of our expanded geography and population. With an even bigger voice on the national stage, we can continue making a difference that people can see and feel across the whole of the West of England.”

North Somerset Council already works closely with partners across the West of England on a range of issues, particularly transport. Subject to government approval, becoming a member of WECA would formalise that relationship and enable the council to play a full role in shaping the strategic direction of the region.

The council is expected to become a member of the Combined Authority as soon as the government’s process is concluded either later this year or early in 2027. North Somerset residents will then be able to vote in the next West of England Mayoral election in May 2029.

More updates will be provided as the process progresses.

Press release from North Somerset Council