From time to time, national politicians express an interest in giving more freedom and independence to English regions. The process started in earnest with the creation of the so called Metro Mayors, who preside over Combined Authorities, where a number of local councils are grouped together to forge a sub-regional alliance.
About half the country is now covered by these organisations and Bath and North East Somerset is included in the West of England version. However, not all Combined Authorities were created equal. Some have many more powers and responsibilities than others, which allow them to shape their local economies in ways which suit their own conditions.
Much attention has been drawn to the various pronouncements about what might be included in the Budget, and that has allowed another announcement to rather slip under the radar. A White Paper is to be produced in the next few months which will focus on English Devolution. That could change the way the current arrangements apply in the West of England which would have a significant impact on business.
It’s pretty unlikely we’ll see a rise in the level of funding, but if there were changes in the range of issues falling under local control, that could be a game changer. Our members have an excellent relationship with elected members and officers in Bath and North East Somerset Council and we maintain a regular dialogue over a range of issues.
Over the coming weeks we will certainly be talking about the Government’s proposed new housing target for the district, which doubles the number of homes they will be requiring in our district. That raises a whole host of issues such as where they are going to, who will be responsible for producing the necessary infrastructure and how will we find sufficient skilled construction workers to deliver them ? The planning system will be put under extra strain and no doubt local objectors will be out in force to generate political heat.
It may need a completely fresh approach to the problem of a lack of affordable housing and one of our members, Victor da Cunha at Curo, is leading work to see what that might look like. He’s already been in contact with Government, suggesting our district could be a test bed for new thinking.
So, the next few months will see quite a few important developments which will affect the success of our local economy and our members will be right at the heart of discussions. Who knows what Christmas will bring them ?
If you’d like to find out more about the Bath Chamber of Commerce or the Initiative in B&NES please contact us on 01225 460 655 or info@bathchamber.co.uk.
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