SOMERSET is challenging the Government to allow it to make more of its own decisions.

Somerset County Council and 19 partners across the South-West have outlined their case for a devolution deal.

A ‘Statement of Intent’ has been submitted to Government in response to its appetite to devolve powers and budgets from Westminster.

Its key themes are economic growth; health, social care and wellbeing; and infrastructure and local resilience.

The document is not a fully worked-up proposal, but sets the scene for discussions with Government about what powers could be devolved.

Cllr John Osman, leader at County Hall, said: “A lot of authorities have done a lot of work in a very short time to prepare this document - that’s another example of what can be achieved when authorities in the region pull together where we have common ground.

“These are very early stages, but we are ambitious and believe that devolution would help us create jobs, build the right infrastructure and make progress on key issues like health and social care integration.”

Taunton Deane Council leader Cllr John Williams, speaking on behalf of the county’s five district councils, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all authorities across Somerset to accept devolved powers with budgets and demonstrate we can deliver improved outcomes for our community.

“In getting this joint statement together we have seen remarkable cross-Council and cross-border working. With those shared aims already evident it augurs well for the preparation of the fully worked up details for our devolution proposals yet to come.

“This is all about Somerset councils working together to maximise opportunities to enable us to punch above our weight.

“The level of co-operation between all Somerset councils is to be applauded.

“We now have our statement of intent which sets out how we can take control of the all-important themes proposed and move to a fully worked up submission. The need to deliver better outcomes for our communities is paramount.”

Steve Hindley, chairman of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, said the organisation is delighted to be one of the partners.

He added: “We will be actively supporting and continuing to work with business to bring about step change in investment to leverage transformational growth, generate more prosperity and unleashing the area’s economic potential.”

To view the Statement of Intent, click on the related link on this story.