Gloucestershire councils set sights on future membership of the West of England Combined Authority
Six of Gloucestershire’s seven councils have written jointly to Government, outlining a shared ambition for the county to join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) as part of its long-term devolution pathway.
In the letter – sent to Ministers Matthew Pennycook MP and Miatta Fahnbulleh MP – leaders set out that the first essential step is the creation of a single countywide Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA) by May 2027.
This would provide Gloucestershire with the strategic capacity, devolved powers and evidence base required to progress towards WECA membership in the years ahead.
The letter is co‑signed by the leaders of:
- Gloucestershire County Council
- Gloucester City Council
- Cotswold District Council
- Cheltenham Borough Council
- Stroud District Council
- Forest of Dean District Council
Tewkesbury Borough Council will confirm its position at a meeting next month.
Why WECA? A natural economic fit
WECA was set up in 2017 to make decisions and investments that benefit people living and working in the West of England. Its aim is to deliver economic growth for the region and address some of the region’s challenges, such as productivity and skills, housing and transport.
Council leaders state that Gloucestershire’s economic strengths already align closely with that region, comprising Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
High-growth sectors such as cyber and secure tech, green energy, digital, aerospace, agri-tech and advanced manufacturing show stronger links with WECA than with alternative regional geographies. Labour market flows, commuting patterns and shared infrastructure investments further reinforce this southwest orientation.
Joining WECA would, leaders argue, bring:
- deeper strategic and analytical capacity
- stronger regional collaboration
- more direct access to investment
- a governance model naturally aligned to Gloucestershire’s economic identity
Separate from council reorganisation
The proposed devolution pathway runs alongside the ongoing programme to reorganise local government in Gloucestershire. Government is currently considering three proposals for moving from the existing county/district model to one or two unitary councils, with a decision expected this summer.
Leaders are clear that the preference for a single countywide FSA would apply regardless of whether the county ultimately becomes one or two unitary authorities.
Countywide Spatial Development Strategy underway
The councils have also confirmed their commitment to developing a Gloucestershire Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) – a strategic planning framework guiding sustainable growth, infrastructure and land use. Preparatory work has already been coordinated through the Gloucestershire City Region Board, including shared evidence, a Local Growth Plan and a Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Next steps
Leaders have invited Ministers to early discussions to ensure Gloucestershire can move at pace and secure a devolution arrangement suited to the county’s history, economy and ambitions.
Further detail on Gloucestershire’s proposed devolution pathway will be submitted in an Expression of Interest to Government later this year.
Cllr Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, speaking on behalf of the six council leaders in the county, said:
“Gloucestershire’s council leaders agree this is the right way forward for the county. Our economy and our communities already work closely with the West of England, so this approach would see our area join a combined authority that truly reflects who we are and where we most naturally align.
“By setting out our position now, we are aiming to unlock the benefits of devolution sooner, ensuring our residents feel the difference in their day‑to‑day lives.”