Leaders in Gloucestershire are optimistic about tapping into the economic opportunities of Bristol by joining the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). On March 18, Gloucestershire County Council expressed its desire to be integrated into the Bristol-focused alliance as part of ongoing devolution and local government restructuring across England.
Gloucestershire is moving toward consolidating its districts with Shire Hall to form one or more unitary authorities. This change paves the way for the area to join a combined authority, which allows multiple councils to collaborate on key regional issues, including economic development, transport, and housing policies.
While other routes exist—such as establishing a directly elected mayor for Gloucestershire if split into two unitary councils or creating a partnership with Herefordshire and Worcestershire—county officials firmly prefer joining WECA. Economic data strongly supports this, suggesting Gloucestershire stands to benefit most as part of the West of England combined authority.
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Council leader Lisa Spivey (Lib Dem, South Cerney) emphasized the county’s alignment with the South West region and the importance of signaling their preference to the Government. “The promise of devolution is the big prize after the complexities of reorganisation,” she remarked, highlighting the ambition to access the array of benefits associated with it.
Spivey explained Gloucestershire’s existing connections to the south via transport, skills, growth initiatives, and healthcare further reinforce the logic of joining WECA. Although northern associations were considered, analyses clearly indicate WECA as the best fit for the county’s interests.
Joe Harris, Cabinet Member for Highways (Lib Dem, Cirencester Park), underscored the importance of joining a combined authority with a strong economic base. “We are fortunate to have Cheltenham and Gloucester, but they are small compared to Bristol,” he said. “To share in the prosperity generated by Bristol is a compelling reason to join.”
Harris also highlighted Gloucestershire’s potential significant role within a diverse mayoral combined authority, calling it “an exciting prospect.”
A spokesperson for WECA noted ongoing constructive cooperation with Gloucestershire’s councils and reaffirmed commitment to working with all partners to deliver benefits for residents across the West of England.