An extraordinary full council meeting can be called to deal with specific issues, outside of the council’s regular schedule.
In this case, councillors will gather to discuss submitting the Heart of Wessex plans for inclusion in the Labour government’s Devolution Priority Programme.
Although this decision would be an executive one, Wiltshire Council’s leader, Richard Clewer, has opted to seek the views of the full council beforehand.
According to Cllr Clewer, this will allow other members to “fully consider the benefits and implications of joining the Devolution Priority Programme”.
This comes after the publication of the English Devolution White Paper, which claims to initiate “the biggest transfer of power out of Westminster to England’s regions this century”.
It argues that England is one of the “most centralised developed countries” with “too many decisions affecting too many people made by too few”.
It reads: “The controlling hand of central government is stifling initiative and development throughout the country.
“It is no wonder that the UK has more regional inequality, slower wage growth, and a relative decline in living standards compared to other developed countries.
“Micromanaging from the centre combined with short-term, sticking-plaster politics has left England’s regions in a doom loop, unable to achieve their potential.”
The White Paper describes the Devolution Priority Programme as designed for “certain places that are able to come together under sensible geographies which meet the criteria, and where they are ready to achieve mayoral devolution at pace”.
A letter from leaders of the relevant councils seeking inclusion in the programme has been requested by January 10.
The evening before, Wiltshire councillors will meet in Trowbridge County Hall at 6pm to discuss Cllr Clewer’s intention to make this submission.
The leader of the Liberal Democrats on the council, Ian Thorn, had previously expressed concern over what he described as a “lack of consultation” with other members before the initial expression of interest was provided.
He will now have the opportunity, along with other councillors, to express his opinions at a full council meeting.
The report set to be discussed states: “It is the view of the council leaders involved that, with a population of approximately 1.5 million, the Heart of Wessex presents a realistic and ambitious offer which can redefine local decision-making and partnership across the patch, offering the Government an opportunity to showcase what devolution can offer to the region and to the wider UK.
“The Heart of Wessex has real strengths in sectors such as defence, digital, life sciences and clean energy, and devolution will help ensure the success of these sectors in kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower and breaking down barriers to opportunity.”
It adds: “If accepted onto the Devolution Priority Programme widespread public consultation would take place on the establishment of a Mayoral Strategic Authority ahead of formal consent for its establishment.”
Although the Heart of Wessex plans include Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset councils, the offer has also been extended to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and Swindon councils.
In a statement released after announcing the extraordinary full council meeting, Cllr Clewer said: “Whilst I am still not convinced of the need for a mayor in a rural area, Government has made it clear that if strategic authorities are going to maximise the funding opportunities available, devolution deals will require a mayor.
“We can either look now to create a Strategic Mayoral Authority in a geographical footprint that works for Wiltshire, which I believe the Heart of Wessex does, or wait and be forced into an authority in a few years that may not suit our needs.”