Bath business leaders have called on councillors to back the £1bn devolution package for the West of England when it goes before a special council meeting this evening.
The deal, announced by Chancellor George Osborne in this year’s Budget, would bring essential funding and additional powers for key areas such as transport, housing, employment and skills. 
Business leaders in Bath, along with those in Bristol, believe transferring such powers from London would greatly benefit the area – particularly when businesses are anxious over the impact of last week’s Brexit decision.
While far weaker than the devolution deal struck by the so-called Northern Powerhouse around Manchester, West business figures nevertheless see it as essential if the area is to continue as one of the few high-growth parts of the UK.
One potential sticking point is the fact that the Government insists the area has an elected ‘metro’ mayor to oversee the implementation of the deal. Some critics fear this would be a near-return to the old days of Avon County Council.
Business West – the organisation behind Bath Chamber of Commerce – called on councillors to “show strong collective leadership” and press ahead with the deal.
As well as Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council, meetings are also taking place this evening in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The West’s other local authority, North Somerset, has rejected the deal.
Business West’s James Durie, pictured, who is also a board member of West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “Our councils have, within their grasp, a very important opportunity and decision to make.
“The business community I serve believes it will strengthen this area for the long term and will benefit everyone who lives and works here. It will also send out a very strong signal of long-term confidence for this area at a time when positive action is much needed.
“The deal provides more funding than any other deal has achieved across the country. It will put important new powers and monies into the hands of local decision-makers and give this area the ability to take forward investment support on transport, housing, skills and much more beyond.
“Whatever the outcome of last Friday, we are a growth area and a fantastic place to live and work but we need to be able to address together all the challenges this brings for the benefit of everyone.
“Just like business, we will need to get on and make decisions. We simply cannot afford to stand still on this.
“The business community has worked closely with the councils to help secure a good deal for this area. I now hope that the councillors will agree to move forward and make this decision, which is within their grasp, whilst it is on the table. Let’s not miss out.”
In a letter sent to all B&NES councillors, 10 senior Bath business figures called on them to put aside party politics and traditional opposition to political involvement with Bristol to vote in favour of the deal.
The letter says: “This is an immense decision, with implications for the next generation. It should be taken in the best interests of everyone who lives in Bath & North East Somerset.
“It is too important to be decided on political or partisan lines. There has been a long tradition of wariness about being involved politically with Bristol; the very mention of Avon is enough to set hackles rising; and the dislike of any mayoral role is well known.
“We appeal to councillors to put aside those concerns, which are historic and tribal, and consider how we might all benefit from what is being offered, even if it’s not perfect.
“Collaboration is the best way forward for all bodies, and the West of England is the centre of the most productive tech cluster in the UK and the most dynamic creative hub outside London.
“Whatever the concerns about working alongside other councils and accepting a strategic overview, they are outweighed by the potential to develop a regional powerhouse which will further generate economic growth, create jobs, improve educational opportunities and promote closer ties with like-minded people and companies.
“We ask all councillors to put aside any suspicions or historic antipathies, and vote for a better future for the young people of B&NES.”
The letter is signed by Bath Bridge director Stephen Taylor, Bath Business Improvement District chief executive Louise Prynne, Bath Chamber of Commerce executive director Ian Bell, Bath College principal Matt Atkinson, Bath Tourism Plus chief executive David James, Chew Valley Chamber of Commerce president Sandy Bell, Creative Bath chair Greg Ingham, former West of England LEP chair Colin Skellett, Federation of Bath Residents’ Associations chairman Robin Kerr, and Simon Barbato, CEO of Mr B & Friends and IoD Director of the Year.
If all three councils agree to support the deal, the next stage will be for local people to make their views known to the Communities Secretary in a public consultation during July and August.
The Government will take the final decision in October. The election for a West of England Mayor would then take place in May next year.
B&NES council leader Tim Warren said: “The deal will unlock £1bn worth of additional investment in the West of England and bring more local decision making to areas such as public transport, adult education and housing – this includes a requirement for a regional mayor to oversee these devolved arrangements. The local council leaders and mayor [of Bristol] have negotiated the best available deal from the Government; it is now over to councillors to have their say.
“Council members will be considering all of the aspects of the deal before making an informed choice about what the council thinks is the best course of action for the people of Bath and North East Somerset.”
B&NES’ cabinet meets at 3.30pm today before a full council meeting at 6.30pm.
