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Calls to Keep Three Counties or Mercia Combined Authority Option Open

Sunday, April 12, 2026 gloucestershire devolution combinedauthority tewkesbury westofengland mercia threecounties localgovernment identity council

A Gloucestershire council is urging that the possibility of joining a Three Counties or Mercia combined authority remains under consideration amid ongoing devolution talks. As local government reorganises across England, new powers are set to be devolved to councils that form strategic combined authorities in the coming years. Currently, five district authorities in Gloucestershire, together with the County Council, have shown a preference for aligning with the Bristol-focused West of England Combined Authority (WECA).