Fresh backing has been given to a devolution partnership linking Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire as debate continues over the future shape of local government in the region.
A Gloucestershire council leader is calling for a Three Counties devolution deal involving Herefordshire and Worcestershire to be explored alongside plans for a partnership with the West of England.
There was frustration last week after ministers did not announce a devolution deal for Gloucestershire.
Devolution is the transfer of powers from central government to local leaders, often through a strategic authority led by an elected mayor.
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While the leaders of Gloucestershire County Council and five of the county’s six district councils favour joining the Bristol-focused West of England Combined Authority, Tewkesbury Borough Council wants alternatives properly considered.
Its leader, Richard Stanley, has written to local government minister Jim McMahon arguing that Gloucestershire should continue exploring both closer links with Bristol and the long-established Three Counties relationship with Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he said there had been little public discussion about the county’s future direction.
“Given we don’t make the decision, you should keep both options on the table and be exploring both fairly to see which one comes out the strongest,” he said.
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In his letter, Mr Stanley said Gloucestershire’s position between the South West and the Midlands created opportunities in both directions.
He said the Three Counties area shared strengths in advanced manufacturing, defence and agritech, as well as many of the challenges faced by largely rural economies.
“Both options present genuine opportunities,” he wrote.
The Government has yet to announce a devolution deal for the English areas in grey
The Government says agreement from all local authorities would be needed to form a strategic authority and discussions with Gloucestershire and neighbouring councils will continue.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said it wanted all areas, including Gloucestershire, to secure the best possible devolution agreements for their communities.
