Bath area businesses are being urged to give their views on the West of England devolution proposal, which would bring extra powers to the area along with additional funding worth up to £1bn.
Business organisations in the region, including the Institute of Directors (IoD), CBI, FSB and Business West have come together to encourage businesses to get involved in the debate.
The organisations share the view that the devolution deal currently on the table would boost the area’s economy at a time of new challenges brought about by the result of the EU referendum and a potential economic slowdown.
The West has previously been overlooked by the Government in the drive towards devolution of powers and funding to the regions, with the so-called Northern Powerhouse around Manchester winning billions of pounds for investment in key parts of its economy.
The devolution deal was approved by three of the councils making up the West of England – Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES), Bristol, and South Gloucestershire Council – last month.
That triggered to a public consultation exercise and series of local meetings. The results from these will be shared with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, who will take account of them when deciding whether the West England devolution deal should go ahead. It would then come back to the local authorities for final endorsement later this year.
If the deal moves ahead, an election for the West of England mayor would take place next May.
North Somerset Council decided not to back the deal and will not now receive any of the funding.
The West’s devolution package is worth £1,000 per head of population – the largest from the Government so far and bigger than the celebrated Manchester devolution deal – and covers areas such as transport, skills, housing, investment, business support and strategic planning.
A new combined authority would be set up consisting of the leaders of B&NES and South Gloucestershire and the Mayor of Bristol along with an elected ‘metro mayor’ to take strategic decisions.
IoD regional chairman Nick Sturge said: “At a time of considerable uncertainty and challenge at a national level, this is a significant opportunity for the West of England to take greater control of its own destiny.
“Looking at the success of the Northern Powerhouse, currently on their fourth devolution deal, it’s vital we secure this deal to make sure we’re at the top table with government for negotiating further rounds of devolved powers and funding.”
CBI regional director Deborah Waddell added: “We see real merit in closer and more formalised partnership working on planning, housing, transport and skills in the West of England, along with better cooperation with Government and their key agencies to promote the area and seek inward investment here.
“Locally devolved powers will put us much more in the driving seat and enable us to realise the future economic potential of the region.”
West of England regional chairman for FSB, Ken Simpson, said his organisation was actively encouraging members to get involved and share their views.
“As those responsible for creating and sustaining wealth, the voice of local business must continue to influence and engage with our local authorities to take this devolution deal forward and ensure it meets our needs,” he said.
“There’s never been a more important time to secure greater local decision-making and control over where we live and work.”
James Durie, director of Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative at Business West, added: “While our region is the most productive outside of London, we can’t afford to stand still.
“We are already beginning to see a decline in productivity and skills shortages and we mustn’t underestimate the scale of the infrastructure challenge we face. This devolution deal will enable us to secure a package of new powers and new Government funding worth up to £1bn over 30 years to invest in housing, transport, skills and business support.”
The public consultation ends on August 15.
Businesses can visit the West of England devolution website here to find out more and take part in the consultation.
A series of public meetings are also being staged around the B&NES area, including:
Monday August 8, 6pm-8pm – The Library, Chew Valley School, Chew Magna
Tuesday August 9, 6pm-8pm – The Somer Centre, Gullock Tyning, Midsomer Norton
Wednesday August 10, 7pm – 8pm – Whitchurch Village Hall
Saturday August 13, Drop-in, 11am – 4pm – Old Bond Street/Milsom Street junction, Bath city centre
