The Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority (originally proposed as the Heart of Wessex Combined Authority) is a new regional devolution body in South West England. Confirmed by the UK Government in the Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026, it will be led by a directly elected regional mayor.
Area Covered
The new authority brings together four existing unitary councils across the Wessex Partnership:
• Somerset Council
• Dorset Council
• Wiltshire Council
• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council
(Note: Creating this strategic authority does not merge or abolish these four councils. They will continue to deliver local services in their respective areas.)
Timeline and Election Date
• Initial Rejection (February 2025): An earlier bid for a “Heart of Wessex” combined authority was turned down by the government for not being developed enough.
• Government Backing (October 2026): Following renewed lobbying by local leaders and MPs, Prime Minister Andy Burnham backed the deal at PMQs on 21 October 2026, and Chancellor John Healey formally confirmed it in the Autumn Budget a week later.
• Establishment & Election: After public consultation and final sign-offs by the four councils, the authority is expected to be formally established by summer 2027, with the first election for the Wessex Mayor scheduled for May 2028.
Powers and Funding
Establishing a Mayoral Strategic Authority transfers powers and budgets from Westminster to the region:
• Investment: Local leaders and MPs estimate the deal could unlock around £460 million in additional annual funding and generate £16 billion in economic growth over 30 years. The October 2026 Budget also pencilled in £8.69 million in initial development funding for 2027–28.
• Devolved Responsibilities: The mayor and strategic authority will oversee regional transport (such as rural bus networks), strategic housing, skills and adult education, infrastructure, and economic regeneration.
Key Debate
• Supporters (including the four council leaders and local MPs like West Dorset’s Edward Morello) argue the deal stops Wessex from missing out on major government grants compared to other devolved regions, giving the area a single, influential voice to lobby Westminster.
• Critics (including local opposition councillors) have raised concerns that the role adds an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy and concentrates too much power in one person. Some opponents have also expressed concern over whether a future mayor could use devolved powers to introduce new regional levies, such as a visitor or tourism tax.
Credit Google AI Overview for much of the above text.
