North Somerset backs move to join Mayoral Authority

North Somerset Council is seeking to join Weca with government backing

Councillors in North Somerset have backed a move to join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

Weca, led by mayor Helen Godwin, was set up in 2017, involving Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset councils.

North Somerset did not join back then, but is now seeking to do so with government backing.

The council already works closely with Weca, especially on transport, housing and economic growth.

But its participation - and the funding available for improvements - is limited, and residents do not get to vote for the regional mayor who leads Weca.

Last year's change of government has brought a new impetus.

Ministers have said that all councils should become part of Mayoral Combined Authorities.

At a full council meeting on Tuesday, members backed making a formal application to join.

Cllr Mike Bell, the Liberal Democrat leader of North Somerset, said he hoped it would "reduce inequality for our residents, access new sources of funding and gain more local control".

Councillor Mike Bell said he hopes the move will "reduce inequality" for residents

It was also welcomed by West of England mayor Helen Godwin, who said "the door was open for North Somerset to join our regional authority".

"This week's council meeting in Weston-super-Mare is a really welcome first step in that direction," she said.

A consultation will now take place, and legislation will have to be put before Parliament.

That process is expected to take around 12 months.

However, if approved, it is not clear when North Somerset would formally join Weca.

It may have to wait until the next mayor election in 2029.