Agenda item

To consider a report by the Strategic & Policy Lead.

The Leader of Council presented the report and proposed the recommendations as set out in the report. In presenting the recommendations, the Leader noted a meeting had been held with the other leaders and chief executives in the Wessex Partnership. He reported that Swindon Borough Council would be submitting an expression of interest in working with councils in the Thames Valley area. In addition, he reflected on the financial impact of not being in a Mayoral Strategic Authority, delays to the rollout of mayoral devolution in areas currently undergoing local government reorganisation and reported that a letter had been sent by leaders to Government to urge progression with elections for a Mayoral Strategic Authority in the Wessex Partnership area in 2027, due to readiness to proceed.

The recommendations were seconded by Councillor S Clifford.

A number of differing views were expressed in terms of the proposals including how this would link to the long-term funding issues for local government, how councils could work together and issues around the election of a mayor.

Decision

That Council:

i.               Note the implications for Dorset Council of not being on the pathway to a mayoral devolution agreement, including reduced access to funding and missed opportunities to drive economic growth. While recognising the potential benefits that could be realised through a devolution agreement and the establishment of a Mayoral Combined Authority, including bringing decision making closer to local residents

ii.              Support the continuation of discussions with government and partner authorities: BCP, Somerset and Wiltshire Council to secure a mayoral devolution agreement for the Wessex area

iii.             Note that any formal proposals, including governance arrangements will be brought back to Full Council for approval at the appropriate time

iv.            Note the Wessex Partnership will continue to keep Swindon Borough Council and other regional partners updated where relevant.

Reason for the decision

Devolution offers Dorset Council, in partnership with Wessex authorities, the opportunity to gain greater control over key functions such as transport, housing, skills, economic growth, and climate related priorities, including de-carbonisation. These functions are currently limited under existing governance arrangements. A Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) would unlock long-term, multi-year investment funding and provide a direct route into national decision-making.  Devolution supports the de-centralisation of decision making from central government, bringing decision making closer to the interests and needs of local residents.

Recent government policy has increasingly prioritised Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs). These authorities benefit from exclusive funding streams such as the Transport for City Regions programme, the Creative Places Growth Fund, and the Mayoral Renewables Fund. In contrast, unitary authorities rely on smaller, often short term and competitive grants.

Economic analysis by the Wessex Partnership suggests that if Wessex held MCA status, it could receive an estimated £300 million in additional annual funding, the equivalent to £159 per resident. Over 30 years, devolution could deliver £16 billion in additional Gross Value Added (GVA) to the region.

Without mayoral devolution, Dorset risks reduced access to funding, fragmented regional coordination, and diminished influence in national policy. Pursuing devolution through an MSA is crucial to help secure Dorset’s long-term economic resilience and prosperity.