SOMERSET, Devon, Torbay and Plymouth leaders took a “very positive step” towards ambitions for a combined authority when they met the Government Minister with responsibility for devolution, Jake Berry, in London. 

They move would see increased powers switch from Westminster to the ‘Heart of the South West’ area. 

The leaders argued that local people were best placed to make decisions for local communities and pushed for clarity on the Government’s position on devolution in areas like the South West.

Somerset County Council leader Cllr David Fothergill, who is chairman designate of the shadow joint authority, said: “I am pleased by the Minister’s response and his recognition of the work we have done to develop a strong partnership.

“Jake Berry confirmed the scale of the deal is dependent on our level of ambition – and collectively we have plenty of that!

“Other regions with devolved powers have already seen benefits of up to £30 million a year.

“This means the new combined authority will have the budget and autonomy to help create better jobs, productivity, skills and training and a stronger economy for our region.

“These discussions are an excellent step forward for our partnership which is strong, united and ambitious to do as much as possible for our economy and communities.”

If approved, the new authority, made up of 17 local authorities, two national parks, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and three clinical commissioning groups, would take responsibility for extra powers and budgets.

They say this would mean huge benefits for all residents, including higher productivity, better-paid jobs, improved road, rail and broadband links and more affordable homes for the region.

There could also be tailored support for growing businesses and the creation of a centre of excellence for skills development.

At the meeting, the Minister also confirmed his view that elected mayors are not necessarily appropriate for the Heart of the South West devolution plans.

All the authorities worked together to jointly submit a productivity prospectus to the Government outlining the region’s case in February 2016.

Cllr David Fothergill said: “The timing of our draft productivity plan puts us in an ideal position to be able to clearly say what we want to achieve for our area, how we can work together to step up our activity and align our resources, and what more we need from Government to help us succeed.

“I look forward to beginning formal discussions with Government and progressing to a really strong deal for our area.”

The full prospectus for productivity can be found on the Somerset County Council website and ‘devolution’ link.