Cllr. Jon Hubbard has cautiously welcomed the recently announced devolution proposals for the Heart of Wessex, a joint initiative by Wiltshire Council, Somerset Council, and Dorset Council. The proposals outline plans for a new devolved structure, including an elected Mayor to govern a vast area encompassing almost 1.5 million residents.
While supportive of the principle of devolution and the potential benefits it could bring to the region, Cllr. Hubbard has raised concerns about how the new governance structure will maintain proper democratic oversight.
“With a single individual elected as Mayor over such a large and diverse area, the question of accountability between elections is of paramount importance,” said Cllr. Hubbard. “How will this Mayor be held to account on an ongoing basis? Will there be a team of elected representatives working alongside them? Will there be robust scrutiny processes in place to ensure decisions are transparent and representative of the region’s diverse communities?”
Cllr. Hubbard also questioned how appointments to regional bodies under the new structure will be handled.
“Will councils retain the power to appoint representatives to regional bodies, or will there be a broader, democratic process to ensure inclusivity and accountability? These are fundamental questions that must be addressed to ensure public confidence in the new arrangements,” he added.
The proposals will be discussed at a special meeting of Wiltshire Council on 9th January, where Cllr. Hubbard will be seeking answers to these critical questions.
“I am keen to explore the details of these plans to ensure that any new governance structure genuinely enhances local democracy and delivers tangible benefits for residents across Wiltshire, Somerset, and Dorset,” said Cllr. Hubbard.
Cllr. Hubbard looks forward to engaging in the debate and will continue to advocate for a fair and democratic process that serves all residents of the Heart of Wessex.
