The full council meeting will be held at 6pm on Thursday 9 January to discuss the leader’s plans.

The meeting will allow councillors to discuss the so-called ‘devolution’ for the wider Heart of Wessex area. The leader believes the creation of a ‘Mayoral Strategic Authority’ could unlock significant funding and investment, driving economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing services for residents.

Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “It is clear from the Devolution White Paper that all of England is going to end up in Strategic Authorities with mayors at their head…. Government has made it clear that if strategic authorities are going to maximise the funding opportunities available, devolution deals will require a mayor. We can either look now to create a Strategic Mayoral Authority in a geographical footprint that works for Wiltshire, which I believe the Heart of Wessex does, or wait and be forced into an authority in a few years that may not suit our needs.

“Therefore, it is crucial that all councillors come together to fully consider the benefits and implications of joining the Devolution Priority Programme. Before the council commits to supporting the Devolution Priority Programme (sic), I am keen for all members to engage in this discussion and help us move forward in securing the best outcomes for our communities.”

There will be no meaningful consultation with the people of Wiltshire, who will of course be paying for the Mayor.

If the ‘Heart of Wessex’ is included in the Devolution Priority Programme this could lead to the establishment of a new strategic mayoral authority and election of a mayor for the region in May 2026.

Papers for full council will be published on 31 December 2024 and will be available online

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