Issue - meetings

Report by Executive Director Alistair Cunningham OBE.

Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development presented a report which outlined Wiltshire Councils engagement with the Western Gateway and agree to its ongoing involvement, subject to review after 12 months.

Cllr Whitehead explained that central government had announced its support for cross-border economic collaboration through the ‘Western Gateway’ in November 2019, with £400k of start-up funding to take the objectives of the partnership forward. The partnership aimed to drive inclusive growth through greater collaboration amongst councils and other partners either side of the Severn estuary.

In response to a question from Cllr Ruth Hopkinson about the benefits of the Western Gateway for areas in Wiltshire south of the M4 corridor, Cllr Whitehead confirmed that the Western Gateway would be of benefit to all of Wiltshire. He referred to Wiltshire’s strong connections with the defence industry and links with the Ministry of Defence at Abbeywood and Cheltenham.

Resolved:    To approve Wiltshire Council’s participation as a full and equal partner in the Western Gateway; and to review the benefits of the participation after 12 months.

Reason for decision:

The Western Gateway proposal offers the potential means to amplify the voice of Wiltshire with national government and ensuring our desired infrastructure and other needs are better addressed.