Council says yes to Devolution Deal

I took the chance to speak at the latest meeting of the Bath and North East Somerset Council Cabinet to encourage Councillors to agree to a deal to form a combined authority for the West of England which will bring at least a billion pounds for infrastructure and other projects over the next 30 years.

The good news was that the deal was approved, so this means Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire will all get together which will be a benefit to business.

There will also be benefits for Councils which will be able to retain increased income from business rates rather than sending most of it back to the Treasury.

It will mean there will be a Mayor for the combined authority who will be elected next May. Business should have a say in the sort of Mayor we want to see.