“We want to fill the map with devolution.”

These were the words of deputy prime Minister Angela Rayner on Monday, December 16, on announcing a major shake up of local government — but what will this mean for Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) and North Somerset?

New powers will be handed to mayors and a focus put on creating alliances of councils called “strategic authorities,” the government’s English Devolution White Paper sets out.

But while billed as “devolution,” the plans will also see many two-tier areas and smaller unitary authorities encouraged to merge into large unitary authorities with populations of about 500,000 - meaning decisions will be made less locally.

Somerset County Council and its six districts have already made the change to unitary, with the councils abolished and replaced by Somerset Council in 2023.

Bath and North East Somerset Council and North Somerset Council have been their own independent unitary authorities since the breakup of the County of Avon in 1996.

Although both have a population of about 200,000, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the government has no intention to merge them, with the government’s focus on creating larger councils aimed at those which are not already unitary authorities.

Reacting to the plans, Kevin Guy, leader of B&NES Council, said: “It’s clear the changes proposed in this white paper will have a significant impact on councils and communities in all parts of England. At this early stage we are still working to understand the implications for B&NES and the West of England.

“We feel strongly that councils and the communities they serve must be at the heart of decision making.”

B&NES Council is a member of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), where it and fellow members Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council, have had a sometimes fractious relationship with Metro Mayor Dan Norris. In March, the combined authority was put on notice by the government for the “poor state of professional relationships,” ordering local political leaders to get along.

Now the government’s plans will see Metro Mayors given major new powers over planning, transport, and setting local growth plans. Metro Mayors will have powers to introduce bus franchising, to call in planning applications, and levy a “Mayoral precept” on to council tax in the West of England for the first time.

But amid the major changes, North Somerset Council — which is now seeking to join the West of England Combined Authority — has warned it could be “left behind.” Council leader Mike Bell said: “We welcome the promises of changes to financing, longer term funding settlements and freeing councils from top-down micromanagement.

“North Somerset needs a fair deal, it’s fair share of the national cake and a fair chance to work in partnership with our neighbours and businesses to grow our economy and improve our community.

“However, I am concerned that North Somerset risks being left behind because of our almost unique position of seeking entry into an existing mayoral combined authority which has elections next year. North Somerset needs to be included in the devolution priority programme.”

The Deputy Prime Minister said England was one of the world’s most centralised countries and the government’s devolution plans would “bring new efficiency and accountability to local and regional government.”

But Mr Guy said: “As the Local Government Association has noted, devolution is not an end in itself and it must not distract from the severe funding pressures that are pushing local services to the brink. It is vital the forthcoming finance settlement provides councils with a significant and sustained increase in overall funding that reflects current and future demand for services.”