SOMERSET will not “merge” with its neighbours in Dorset and Wiltshire if proposals for a new combined authority are taken forward by the government, Somerset Council has stressed.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is encouraging local councils to form new combined authorities with elected mayors, believing this will help to encourage investment and make decisions which more closely meet the needs of locals.

Somerset Council has put forward a revised expression of interest with Dorset Council and Wiltshire Council, seeking to form the ‘Heart of Wessex Combined Authority’.

However, Somerset Council leader Bill Revans has stressed such an authority would not replace the existing councils or lead to a loss of autonomy for local residents.

Mr Revans released a joint statement on the matter with Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland and Wiltshire Council leader Richard Clewer on Friday (November 29).

They said: “We have submitted a revised expression of interest to central government for the Heart of Wessex devolution deal.

“This submission reflects our shared vision for unlocking significant opportunities for our communities through local empowerment and collaboration.

“This is not a merger of the three councils; all three will remain separate local authorities.

“Devolution is the handing down of powers and decision making from central government to new ‘local partnership’ areas. The make-up of the individual councils who may work together will not change.”

The precise details of which powers would be devolved to the new authority from Whitehall would be agreed as part of the final devolution deal – which would be informed by a public consultation.

The new authority would probably hold its public meetings across the three council headquarters, meaning Somerset residents would often have to travel to Dorchester or Trowbridge to hold their councillors to account.

The leaders continued: “While our preference would be for not having a mayor, the government has made it clear that all devolution deals will end up with mayoral combined authorities.

“Ultimately, this model will help secure better funding deals for our region; therefore, our revised proposal aligns with this approach, and we have set out our commitment and intent for a directly elected mayoral governance system.

“This proposal ensures clear, accountable leadership to drive economic growth, improve public services, and invest in vital infrastructure across the region, working closely with the leaders of the constituent councils.”

In addition to the three councils which make up the Heart of Wessex proposal, there is scope for two other local authorities to join later: Swindon Borough Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

The leaders concluded: “We have made clear our strong desire to be considered in the first tranche of devolution deals, recognising the commitment of our councils to lead change in local government and move forward as swiftly as possible.

“With a population of approximately 1.5 million, we believe the Heart of Wessex presents a realistic and ambitious offer which can redefine local decision-making and partnership across the patch, offering the government an opportunity to showcase what devolution can offer to the region and wider UK.”