Under the proposals announced in the Budget, the West of England would receive £1 billion in funding for infrastructure projects, planning, and adult education. Currently, a precondition of the funding would be the introduction of a Metro Mayor to oversee its spending.
Though I welcome extra investment for the region, particularly for delivering infrastructure projects, I agree that the imposition of a regional mayor is not desirable by any means. I would rather see the funding given and co-ordinated by a Chair, who would be a representative chosen amongst the local Councils in the area. The proposals are, of course, even more, disappointing given the recent emphatic rejection of a BANES Mayor.
There are some key differences between the Metro Mayor and the Mayor for BANES. The Metro Mayor would only have power over matters devolved as part of the devolution settlement; it will not take away any existing powers from the Council, which would retain its current system and powers.
Nevertheless, councillors will have to ratify the deal, and I know they will be consulting closely with local residents on this issue. I have also been working with them on this issue, alongside MPs from across the region. I continue to oppose a Metro Mayor, and I will do everything I can to support our local democracy.