The Prime Minister, Theresa May, has confirmed to Bath’s MP Ben Howlett that she is giving her full backing to the planned West of England devolution, involving various councils across the area.
The principle behind the devolution deal, involving Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council, is to hand more funding and powers from Westminster to the West of England.
This will allow greater local control over how money is spent, and the ability to deliver key infrastructure projects quicker.
It also provides greater opportunities to improve transport, deliver more affordable housing and encourage new investment, economic growth and jobs.
The deal, which is the largest in the country, is worth £1 billion or £1,000 per head of population.
If it is agreed that the new West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) should go ahead for the devolution, it would be established in the first part of 2017, with elections for the position of West of England Mayor to take place across all three local government areas, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire, in May 2017.
Bath MP Ben Howlett said: “I am delighted that the PM is supporting the devolution deal for the West of England.
“I believe this is an excellent opportunity for Bath to secure vital infrastructure funding, particularly with regards to transport projects and presents an opportunity for significant new projects to be undertaken such as the A36/46 link road to help tackle Bath’s congestion.”