West of England Combined Authority
{{Short description|Local government body for the West of England}}
{{EngvarB|date=June 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox legislature
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| name = West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
| native_name =
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| legislature =
| coa_pic = Logo of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.svg
| coa_res = 200
| coa_alt =
| logo_pic = West of England combined authority location map UK.svg
| logo_caption = West of England Mayoral Combined Authority within England
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| foundation = 9 February 2017
| house_type = Combined authority
| jurisdiction = West of England
| houses = Unicameral
| term_limits = None
| preceded_by =
| leader1_type = Mayor of the West of England
| leader1 = Dan Norris
| party1 =
Independent
| election1 = 10 May 2021
| leader2_type = Chief Executive
| leader2 = Stephen Peacock
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| members =
| house1 =
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| structure1 = WECA May 2024.png
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: {{nowrap|{{Color box|{{party color|Liberal Democrats (UK)}}|border=darkgray}} Liberal Democrats (2)}}
: {{Color box|{{party color|Labour Party (UK)}}|border=darkgray}} Labour (1)
: {{Color box|{{party color|Green Party of England and Wales}}|border=darkgray}} Green (1)
| political_groups2 =
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| committees1 =
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| voting_system1 = Indirect election, directly elected mayor from 2017
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| last_election1 = 6 May 2021
| next_election1 = 1 May 2025
| session_room =
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| meeting_place = 70 Redcliff Street, Bristol, BS1{{nbsp}}6AL{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Contact Us |url=https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/about-us/contact-us/ |website=WECA |date= 26 July 2021|access-date=2 February 2023}}
| website = {{Official URL}}
| footnotes =
}}
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WEMCA) is a combined authority within the West of England area, consisting of the local authorities of Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset. The body has its headquarters in the Redcliffe area of Bristol, and is led by the Mayor of the West of England. The most recent election for this post took place on 6 May 2021, when the Labour candidate Dan Norris was elected on a turnout of 36%.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cmj34zmwxn0t/mayor-of-the-west-of-england|title=Mayor of the West of England|website=BBC News|date=8 May 2021 |access-date=8 May 2021}}
Establishment
File:West of England Combined Authority map (within South West England).svg, alongside North Somerset which rejected the deal]]
Devolution of certain powers to the West of England was announced by the UK government in the 2016 budget.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/508193/HMT_Budget_2016_Web_Accessible.pdf|title=Budget 2016|date=March 2016|website=GOV.UK|publisher=HM Treasury|access-date=2 July 2017}} The government's vision was to create a "Western Powerhouse" analogous to the Northern Powerhouse concept. It is claimed that the proposal could bring nearly £1 billion of investment to the region over thirty years.{{cite news |date=16 March 2016 |title=West of England £1bn devolution deal announced in Budget |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-35823771 |access-date=17 March 2016}}{{cite news |author=Gavin Thompson |date=16 March 2016 |title=Metro mayor and £1 billion investment for Greater Bristol announced in Budget 2016 |newspaper=Bristol Post |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Metro-mayor-1-billion-investment-Greater-Bristol/story-28934187-detail/story.html |access-date=17 March 2016}}
The original proposal was to cover the same area as the County of Avon which came into formal existence on 1 April 1974 and was abolished in 1996.{{cite web|title=The return of Avon: Osborne announces devolution plans|url=http://www.itv.com/news/west/2016-03-16/the-return-of-avon-osborne-announces-devolution-plans/|publisher=ITV news|access-date=2 May 2016}} However, in June 2016 North Somerset council rejected the proposal.{{cite news|last1=Crawley|first1=James|title=West of England devolution: North Somerset rejects metro mayor plan|url=http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/west-england-devolution-north-somerset-rejects/story-29374973-detail/story.html|work=Bath Chronicle|date=8 June 2016}}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils agreed to proceed without them.{{cite web |url=https://www.bristol.gov.uk/policies-plans-strategies/the-west-of-england-devolution-deal |title=The West of England devolution deal |publisher=Bristol City Council |access-date=6 November 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Crawley|first1=James|title=BANES backs £1billion west of England devolution deal and metro mayor but will residents support it?|url=http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/banes-backs-1billion-devolution-deal-for-combined-authority-and-metro-mayor/story-29459616-detail/story.html|access-date=15 September 2016|work=Bath Chronicale|date=29 June 2016}}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
The devolution deal, via the West of England Combined Authority Order 2017, came into force on 9 February 2017. The first public meeting of the combined authority took place on 1 March with an interim chair,{{cite news |url=http://www.bathecho.co.uk/news/politics/first-meeting-set-newly-established-west-england-combined-authority-71464/ |title=First meeting set for newly established West of England Combined Authority |newspaper=Bath Echo |date=17 February 2017 |access-date=22 February 2017}}{{Cite legislation UK |type=si |year=2017 |number=126 |si=West of England Combined Authority Order}} followed by the first mayoral election in May.{{cite news |last1=Ashcroft |first1=Esme |title=Weca Metro Mayor marks first anniversary - but what has he done? |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/weca-metro-mayor-tim-bowles-1533178 |access-date=12 August 2020 |work=Bristol Post |agency=Reach plc |date=4 May 2018}}
Population
The region covered by the combined authority had a population estimated at 950,000 in 2020.{{cite web|title=ONS Population estimates - local authority based by five year age band [2020] via Nomis|url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/comb/1853882377/report.aspx#tabrespop|access-date=29 October 2021|publisher=Office for National Statistics}} The authority also works closely with North Somerset Council; the joint area had a population in 2020 of 1,165,600.{{cite web|title=ONS Population estimates - local authority based by five year age band [2020] via Nomis|url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/lep/1925185566/report.aspx#tabrespop|access-date=29 October 2021|publisher=Office for National Statistics}}
Responsibilities
The authority's functions, as specified by the West of England Combined Authority Order, mostly cover planning, skills and local transport. In April 2017 the authority published a 207-page constitution which includes terms of reference for the body and its committees.{{Cite web|url=https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Item-9-WECA-constitution.pdf|title=Constitution|date=April 2017|website=West of England Combined Authority|access-date=4 December 2019}} An updated constitution was agreed on 15 July 2019{{cite web |url=https://westofengland-ca.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s1495/WECA%20Constitution%20revised%2015%20July%202019.pdf |title=West of England Combined Authority Constitution |website=West of England Combined Authority |date=15 July 2019 |access-date=12 February 2022}} and 9 June 2020.{{cite web |url=https://westofengland-ca.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s2151/ConstitutionJune2020.pdf |title=West of England Combined Authority Constitution |website=West of England Combined Authority |date=9 June 2020 |access-date=12 February 2022}}
=Planning, economy and skills=
{{see also|Dan Norris#Spatial Development Strategy}}
Responsibilities include:
- Strategic planning, including a Spatial Development Strategy which will act as the framework for managing planning across the West of England region.{{cite web |url=https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Spatial-Development-Strategy-summary.pdf |title=Spatial Development Strategy |website=WECA |year=2020 |access-date=28 May 2022}}
- Control of a new additional £30 million a year funding allocation over 30 years, to be invested in the West of England Single Investment Fund, to boost growth.
- The 19+ Adult Education budget, which was devolved from the 2019/20 academic year.
=Transport=
The mayor and combined authority are responsible for a consolidated, devolved local transport budget, with a multi-year settlement.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/508112/160315_West_of_England_Devolution_Agreement_Draft_-_FINAL.pdf|title=West of England Devolution Agreement|access-date=13 April 2016}} They can franchise bus services, subject to necessary legislation and local consultation.
The authority promotes the West of England Joint Local Transport Plan, which includes the MetroBus network and the MetroWest rail project. The fourth iteration of the plan was published in March 2020.{{Cite web|title=Joint Local Transport Plan 4: 2020–2036|url=https://travelwest.info/app/uploads/2020/05/JLTP4-Adopted-Joint-Local-Transport-Plan-4.pdf|access-date=10 December 2021|website=Travelwest}}
A Key Route Network of local authority roads is managed and maintained by the combined authority on behalf of the Mayor.
Travelwest is a transport information and advice service promoted by the WECA authorities as well as North Somerset.Travelwest https://travelwest.info/pages/us
In early 2023, about 40 of the 69 subsidised bus routes were expected to be withdrawn due to reductions in the local transport levy, but a new on-call minibus "demand-responsive transport" service would be launched using new government funding which could only be spent on "new and innovative" services.{{cite news |last=Seabrook |first=Alex |date=20 January 2023 |title=West bus passengers to see 36 routes axed in funding row |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-64332425 |access-date=30 January 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/local-news/another-42-bus-services-west-8049620 |title=Another 42 bus services in West of England face axe in April |last=Seabrook |first=Alex |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=19 January 2023 |access-date=21 February 2023}} The mayor said he was not yet convinced that using the new bus franchising model introduced by the Bus Services Act 2017, similar to arrangements in London, is suitable for the area, but he would monitor how well franchising works in Manchester when rolled out from 2023{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/more-bristol-bus-services-scrapped-8154561 |title=More Bristol bus services to be scrapped in April but franchising is still not on the table |last=Deeney |first=Yvonne |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=20 February 2023 |access-date=21 February 2023}} though WECA was not carrying out any detailed analysis of this option.{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/no-analysis-done-bringing-buses-8223722 |title='No analysis done' on bringing buses under public control despite West of England Metro Mayor's claims |last=Seabrook |first=Alex |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=7 March 2023 |access-date=12 March 2023}}
Budget
In 2018–19 the authority's income was £26.3m, of which £13m was from levies on the local authorities for WECA's transport functions and £7m came in grants. Expenditure was £25.3m, of which £12.8m was spent on concessionary fares and £1.7m on community transport; £2.6m was transferred to reserves and £2.9m was contributed to the Mayoral Fund. From this fund, which also received £17.6m from business rates, the mayor spent £12m on highways and £7m on transport, as well as £0.7m on the Joint Spatial Plan.
In the October 2021 budget the UK government allocated £540 million to WECA over a five-year period for public transport improvements, to be predominantly spent on improving bus services.{{cite news |url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/autumn-budget-2021-bristol-bath-21992437 |title=Autumn Budget 2021: Bristol and Bath region receives £540m boost for public transport |last=Baker |first=Hannah |publisher=Bloomberg |date=28 October 2021 |access-date=29 October 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1070109/crsts-funding-settlement-letter-for-west-of-england-1-april-2022.pdf |title=Allocating City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements |last=Shapps |first=Grant |website=Department for Transport |via=gov.uk |date=1 April 2022 |access-date=28 April 2022}}
WECA spent £9.6{{Nbsp}}million on staffing in 2022–23 and the mayor requested £17.6{{Nbsp}}million for 2023–24, increased largely to deliver new projects from the additional government transport funding and to cover strategic transport planning responsibility transferred to WECA from constituent councils. After negotiations with council leaders in January 2023, £800,000 of the proposed increase was withheld.{{cite news |last=Postans |first=Adam |date=30 January 2023 |title=WECA leaders agree huge hike in staffing costs at latest shambolic meeting |newspaper=Bristol Post |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/weca-leaders-agree-huge-hike-8091724 |access-date=30 January 2023}}{{Cite web |date=27 January 2023 |title=Mayoral and Combined Authority Budget 2023/24 and Medium-term Financial Strategy |url=https://westofengland-ca.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s6571/item%2009%20-%20CA%20Budget%20and%20MTFS%202023-24.pdf |access-date=31 January 2023 |website=WECA |page=20}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-63649568 |title=Power transfer could see Bristol council shed 100 staff |last=Postans |first=Adam |work=BBC News |date=17 November 2022 |access-date=2 February 2023}}
Membership
The membership of the combined authority cabinet is as follows.{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2016-11-15/metro-mayor-to-run-new-west-of-england-authority/ |title='Metro mayor' to run new West of England authority |publisher=ITV News |access-date=11 December 2016}}
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| colspan=2 | Name
! Position ! Assumed office |
|---|
| width=1px style="background-color: {{party color|Independent politician}}}" |
| Mayor Dan Norris | Mayor of the West of England (West of England Combined Authority) | 2021 |
| width=1px style="background-color: {{party color|Liberal Democrats (UK)}}" |
| Kevin Guy | Leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council | 2021 |
| width=1px style="background-color: {{party color|Green Party of England and Wales}}" |
| Tony Dyer | Leader of Bristol City Council | 2024 |
| width=1px style="background-color: {{party color|Labour Party (UK)}}" |
| Ian Boulton | Co-leader of South Gloucestershire Council | 2024 |
Former South Gloucestershire Council leader Matthew Riddle was chosen to be interim chair of the combined authority until the first elected mayor took office on 8 May 2017, and Marvin Rees was chosen to be vice-chair.{{cite web|url=https://www.westofengland-ca.org.uk/1st-march-2017-first-weca-committee-meeting/|title=First WECA Committee Meeting|publisher=West of England Combined Authority|date=1 March 2017|access-date=1 March 2017}}
{{As of|2019|April|df=}} the authority employed 84, including the staff of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and the 'Invest in Bristol and Bath' team.{{Cite web|url=https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/WECA-financial-statements-31.3.19-161019-Finalised-with-Auditor-Report.pdf|title=Statement of Accounts|date=31 March 2019|website=West of England Combined Authority|pages=1, 6–8|access-date=25 December 2019}}
In 2021 there was a dispute between the members and the Mayor of the West of England over the mayor's powers, in particular a power to veto alternative proposals to the joint committee including North Somerset Council. The four local authorities' monitoring officers, who give legal advice, stated the veto could arguably amount to maladministration.{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bombshell-leaked-letter-reveals-weca-6052340 |title=Bombshell leaked letter reveals WECA leaders' power tussle |last=Postans |first=Adam |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=13 October 2021 |access-date=26 October 2021}} On 15 October 2021, the four council leaders did not attend a WECA meeting with the mayor, which meant over £50 million of spending decisions could not be made.{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/weca-crisis-four-council-leaders-6068959 |title=WECA crisis as all four council leaders pull out of crucial meeting |last=Postans |first=Adam |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=15 October 2021 |access-date=26 October 2021}} In November 2021, after taking new legal advice, Norris agreed not to claim veto powers on decisions involving North Somerset.{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/weca-row-could-over-metro-6218790 |title=WECA row could be over as metro mayor Dan Norris backs down over veto |last=Postans |first=Adam |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=17 November 2021 |access-date=30 November 2021}}
In September 2024, North Somerset Council submitted an expression of interest in formally joining the West of England Combined Authority.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/north-somerset-interested-in-joining-weca/|title=North Somerset interested in joining WECA | work = Bristol 24/7 | date = 25 October 2024 | access-date = 25 October 2024}}
The mayor is a member of the Mayoral Council for England and the Council of the Nations and Regions.
History
{{See also|Tim Bowles (politician)|Dan Norris#Mayoralty}}
In 2022, WECA moved from offices near Bristol Temple Meads railway station, to larger offices in a four-storey building in nearby Redcliffe.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-61438497 |title=Weca signs new office deal costing £200,000 a year more in rent |work=BBC News |date=14 May 2022 |access-date=20 May 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/weca-accused-wasting-8m-new-7073231 |title=WECA accused of wasting £8m on new Bristol HQ after Yate "snub" |last=Postans |first=Adam |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=13 May 2022 |access-date=20 May 2022}}
In May 2022, WECA's external auditors, Grant Thornton, initiated an investigation into strained relationships within WECA, after identifying a consequent "risk of significant weakness" in value-for-money arrangements.{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/probe-weca-top-officer-payoff-7020799 |title=Probe into Weca top officer payoff amid power struggle between leaders |last=Postans |first=Adam |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=3 May 2022 |access-date=27 September 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/council-leader-demands-significant-change-7233491 |title=Council leader demands "significant change" of top WECA officers |last=Postans |first=Adam |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=21 June 2022 |access-date=27 September 2022}} Grant Thornton also examined the issue of senior staff leaving, which they considered could be "highly problematic". WECA's draft 2021/2022 accounts show it spent nearly £9 million on staff salaries, £892,000 over budget.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-63044823 |title=Senior leader given £59k payoff to leave Weca |work=BBC News |date=27 September 2022 |access-date=27 September 2022}} The auditors' report became available to the public in November 2022. It criticised WECA leaders for having a "poor state of professional relationships", and found five "significant weaknesses" in value-for-money arrangements. It made three legally-binding "statutory recommendations", two "key recommendations" and four "implementation recommendations". Grant Thornton issued such recommendations in only 3% of local authority reports it made that year.{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/damning-weca-report-council-chief-7840250?int_source=nba |title='Damning' WECA report into council chief spat prompts plea to 'play nicely' |last=Postans |first=Adam |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=21 November 2022 |access-date=21 November 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-63700010 |title=Weca leaders 'ordered to stop their infighting' |last1=Robinson |first1=Harriet |last2=Postans |first2=Adam |work=BBC News |date=21 November 2022 |access-date=26 November 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://westofengland-ca.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s5361/Auditors%20Report%20on%20Governance%20Matters.pdf |title=VfM Report on Governance (FINAL FOR ISSUE) |via=WECA |website=Grant Thornton |date=November 2022 |access-date=21 November 2022}} The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities placed WECA on a monitoring watchlist, so if there is not improvement this could result in a "best value" improvement panel being imposed or government best value inspectors taking over control of WECA.{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/weca-placed-government-watchlist-after-8218132 |title=WECA placed on government 'watchlist' after council leaders' rows |last=Postans |first=Adam |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=6 March 2023 |access-date=7 March 2023}} WECA was issued a "best value" notice by DLUHC in March 2024.{{cite news|url=https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/weca-ordered-improve-westminster/|title=WECA ordered to improve by Westminster|date=5 March 2024|last=Booth|first=Martin|work=Bristol24/7|accessdate=8 April 2025}} The government officially released WECA from "special measures" in March 2025.{{cite news|url=https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/governance/396-governance-news/60185-government-decides-against-renewing-best-value-notice-for-mayoral-combined-authority|title=Government decides against renewing best value notice for mayoral combined authority|date=5 March 2025|last=Carey|first=Adam|work=Local Government Lawyer|accessdate=7 April 2025}}
In April 2025, following Dan Norris' arrest on suspicion of rape, child sex offences, child abduction and misconduct in a public office,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/05/world/europe/uk-parliament-dan-norris-suspended.html|title=U.K. Labour Lawmaker Suspended From Party After Arrest|last=Castle|first=Stephen|date=5 April 2025|work=The New York Times|accessdate=11 April 2025}} the leaders of the member Councils issued a statement reassuring people that the combined authority’s “important work” continues and that "effective decision-making at the combined authority remains in place".{{cite news|url=https://www.theweekin.co.uk/news/crime/133660/|title=WECA’s ‘important work’ carries on after Mayor’s arrest over allegations including rape|last=Feather|first=Becky|date=10 April 2025|work=The Week In|accessdate=11 April 2025}} Under emergency powers in the WECA constitution, the chief executive Stephen Peacock could make decisions on behalf of the combined authority. Norris himself was banned from entering the WECA headquarters in Bristol, and had his access to the Combined Authority's IT system deactivated. While he was also banned from attending meetings on behalf of WECA, he was not suspended as mayor because "there is no provision" under WECA's constitution for this action.{{cite news|url=https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/local-news/dan-norris-banned-parliament-weca-10095323|title=Dan Norris banned from Parliament and WECA offices|last=Wimperis|first=John|date=10 April 2025|work=SomersetLive|accessdate=11 April 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7vnn790778o|title=MP banned from Weca headquarters after rape arrest|last=Boobyer|first=Leigh|date=9 April 2025|work=BBC News|accessdate=11 April 2025}} Staff at WECA were also offered support, if they had "been impacted by this news or just want to speak with someone".{{cite news|url=https://www.localgov.co.uk/Combined-authority-offers-staff-support-after-mayors-arrest/62197|title=Combined authority offers staff support after mayor’s arrest|last=Eichler|first=William|date=7 April 2025|work=localgov.co.uk|accessdate=11 April 2025}}
Potential changes
In 2018, Mayor Tim Bowles voiced hope that North Somerset would join the combined authority, saying: "We work closely on a regular basis with Nigel [Ashton, then leader of the council] and his officers on a number of things. Personally I hope they do, and there are lots of people in North Somerset who hope they do too". In October 2020 there were discussions around North Somerset joining the WECA in time for the May 2021 election;{{cite news |title=North Somerset Council joining Weca 'could secure vital funds' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-54707393 |access-date=31 October 2020 |work=BBC News |date=28 October 2020}}{{cite news|last1=Sumner|first1=Stephen|date=27 October 2020|title=Not joining regional partnership would be "stupid"|language=en|work=BristolLive|publisher=Reach plc|url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/not-joining-regional-partnership-would-4644661|access-date=31 October 2020}} however Marvin Rees, mayor of Bristol, voted down this proposal in early 2021.{{cite news |last1=Postans |first1=Adam |title=Minister offers path for North Somerset to join Weca |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/minister-offers-path-north-somerset-4960958 |access-date=13 February 2021 |work=Bristol Post |publisher=Reach plc |date=3 February 2021 |language=en}} He rejected it on the basis that there should be a financial offer from the government for the council's inclusion, and stated that he would like to see North Somerset joining in the future. In 2020, North Somerset Council leader Don Davies said he regretted the decision not to join.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-55056750 |title=West of England Mayor Tim Bowles announces retirement |work=BBC News |date=24 November 2020 |access-date=25 November 2020}} In 2021, Dan Norris the newly elected mayor showed his interest in North Somerset council joining but also the rest of Somerset.{{cite news |title=West of England Mayor Dan Norris hopes to safeguard jobs and businesses |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-57061524 |access-date=29 May 2021 |work=BBC News |date=2021-05-11}}
George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol from 2012 to 2016, suggested in 2019 that his former role should be abolished and the combined authority renamed the "Bristol and Bath City Region", saying "Even when I stood for Bristol mayor back in 2012 I said I would prefer that we had a metro mayor. But a directly elected mayor for Bristol is what we had on offer from the government at the time".{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Kate|date=6 September 2019|title=Ex-Bristol mayor says he will be campaigning to scrap the city's mayor role|work=Bristol Post|publisher=Reach plc|url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/ex-bristol-mayor-says-campaigning-3290136|access-date=12 August 2020}}{{cite web|date=5 March 2020|title=Bristol's first elected mayor says role should be scrapped|url=https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2020-03-05/bristol-s-first-elected-mayor-says-role-should-be-scrapped|access-date=12 August 2020|website=ITV News|language=en}}
Local transport funding in England faces possible cuts that could disrupt bus and train improvements, prompting regional mayors to advocate for budget protection amid a significant government shortfall.{{Cite news |date=23 October 2024|title=Local transport funding at risk as Reeves considers big budget cuts |newspaper=Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/oct/23/local-transport-funding-at-risk-as-reeves-considers-big-budget-cuts |access-date=23 October 2024}}
Elections
{{main|2017 West of England mayoral election|2021 West of England mayoral election|2025 West of England mayoral election}}
Elections for the West of England Mayor have been held every four years since 2017. The first two elections (2017 and 2021) were held using the supplementary vote system. In this system, voters rank the candidates in order of preference, and candidates with the least amount of first preference votes are eliminated, with their secondary preferences reallocated to the remaining candidates, until a single candidate has a majority (more than half) of the votes cast.
As of 2025, elections were held using the voting system of first past the post. In this system the candidate with the most votes wins. In 2024, the Electoral Reform Society described the change as lowering the bar for politicians and thus damaging British democracy.{{Cite web |date=8 May 2024 |title=Local elections: A third of the vote shouldn’t make a mayor |url=https://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/local-elections-a-third-of-the-vote-shouldnt-make-a-mayor/ |access-date=April 15, 2025 |website=www.electoral-reform.org.uk |language=en-GB}}
See also
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{Official website}}
- [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/west-of-england-devolution-deal H.M. Treasury proposed devolution agreement], March 2016
{{Combined authorities}}
Category:Politics of Bath and North East Somerset
Category:Politics of South Gloucestershire District
Category:Combined authorities and combined county authorities