Somerset residents could see more decisions made closer to home as Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire Councils take a bold step towards devolution.

The three local authorities have confirmed they will submit expressions of interest to the government this week, seeking to unlock more powers and resources for the region as part of a new 'Heart of Wessex' devolution plan.

The move follows months of discussions aimed at securing more local control over key areas such as transport, infrastructure, housing, and skills development. If approved, this could mean that decisions which currently rest with central government are instead made by local councils, potentially speeding up projects and tailoring services to better suit the needs of Somerset's communities.

What does this mean for Somerset?

For Somerset residents, devolution could pave the way for improvements to local infrastructure, better transport links, and more say in housing and planning decisions. The ability to attract additional funding from Westminster could also be a game-changer for local services and economic growth, addressing some of the long-standing concerns around investment in rural areas.

Somerset Council leader, Cllr Bill Revans, joined his counterparts from Dorset and Wiltshire, Cllr Nick Ireland and Cllr Richard Clewer, in supporting the move. In a joint statement, they said:

"We have had constructive discussions and recognise that, while each council has its own unique aspirations, there is a shared belief that working together can provide a strong foundation for devolution. We value our partnership working with neighbouring authorities and there are projects and services we already provide which are more effective when delivered in partnership."

The councils are also open to extending their collaboration to include Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and Swindon Borough Council, with a vision to establish a strong, unified voice for the wider Wessex region.

What powers could Somerset gain?

While the details are still being negotiated, potential areas for greater local control could include:

• Transport and Infrastructure: More say over road improvements, public transport services, and new infrastructure projects.
• Housing and Planning: The ability to streamline planning processes and allocate more funding for affordable housing.
• Economic Development: Devolved powers could help attract new businesses, create jobs, and support local enterprise.
• Skills and Education: More flexibility in setting priorities for training and education to meet the needs of the local economy.

Will Somerset get a mayor?

One sticking point is the question of governance. Currently, the councils do not support the idea of a directly elected mayor, which has been a requirement in some other devolution deals. Instead, they are proposing a different decision-making framework, reflecting the unique needs of rural communities.

"While we are open to exploring the right decision-making framework, at this time we don't think a mayoral system would be right for our communities," the leaders said.

The councils are now awaiting further guidance from the government on what it expects from devolution proposals, including the minimum population size for any devolution area and the exact functions to be devolved.

What happens next?

Once formal proposals have been agreed with central government, the details will be shared with residents, and a full consultation will take place before any final decisions are made. Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire councils remain open to adapting their plans as the government's English Devolution Bill progresses.

If successful, the Heart of Wessex could become a blueprint for how rural counties like Somerset gain more control over their future, ensuring local voices are heard and respected in decisions that affect everyday life.