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flag Four Wessex councils seek mayoral devolution by 2027 to avoid a £300M funding gap and unlock £16B in growth.

flag Four councils in Wessex—Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and BCP—are pushing the UK government to approve mayoral devolution by 2027, warning of a potential £300.74 million funding shortfall in 2025/26 as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ends. flag They argue they are ready for mayoral elections and that devolution could unlock £16 billion in economic growth over 30 years, attracting investment in key sectors. flag Despite internal debate over the cost and effectiveness of a mayoral authority, Dorset council voted 49-6 to continue pursuing devolution, citing fairness and local control. flag The region seeks greater power over transport, housing, and skills to improve outcomes and secure funding.

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