Councillors will meet this week to discuss the proposed devolution deal that is offering to boost the West of England economy with over £1 billion worth of investment.

At a Council meeting taking place this Thursday, Councillors will receive an update report on the devolution proposals. Whilst no decision will be taken at this meeting on whether or not to accept the devolution deal, councillors will be able to give their views on the proposals and provide feedback that could help inform any further discussions with Government.

The devolution package negotiated by the West of England authorities, together with the Local Enterprise Partnership, represents the highest investment per head of population of any devolution deal in the UK. In addition to the £1 billion of investment, the deal would also result in additional powers over transport, skills and housing being handed down from the Government to the West of England area.

Councillor Tim Warren (Conservative, Mendip), Leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council and Chairman of the West of England Strategic Leaders Board, said: “This deal, if agreed by the Councils, would unlock £1 billion of investment in the West of England over a thirty year period, funding which could be used to support much-needed infrastructure improvements throughout our area. Not only does this represent the best financial deal in the country per head of population, it would also mean that additional powers over public transport, adult education and planning would be handed down to the West of England by Government.”

Councillor Warren added; “As part of our discussions with Government, we have secured a number of safeguards that would protect the autonomy of each constituent council, including protection of council assets, responsibility for local services, and a veto over planning matters.

“However, despite these safeguards, I know that certain aspects of this deal remain a cause of concern to some councillors, in particular, the governance arrangements that would oversee these additional responsibilities. The meeting this Thursday will therefore give all councillors the chance to give their feedback on these proposals at an early stage, before a final decision has to be taken on whether or not to accept the devolution proposals. Whatever councillors ultimately decide, I will continue to fight for the best deal possible for our area.”