Combined authority would give us more control over roads, say Christchurch councillors

At a meeting of the resources committee, members said being part of the proposed authority could give them more "clout" over highways issues.

The meeting took place just one day before major doubts were cast on the plans elsewhere.

Members discussed the plans for the Dorset wide combined authority, which would be charged with boosting economic growth and steering major policies, ahead of the issue being sent to full council.

Before debate began, members were told by committee chairman, Cllr Trevor Watts, that there would be no discussion about the separate south east Dorset 'super council' plans, revealed last month by the leaders of Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole and East Dorset councils.

Leader of Christchurch council, and vice-chairman of the resources committee, Cllr Ray Nottage said: "The government would be talking to one organisation rather than nine.

"You asked the question about highways influence and the truth of the matter is as much as we pretend or indicate to our residents that we can respond to major highways, this will give us more control.

"Government will not devolve powers to Christchurch Borough Council."

Cllr Colin Bungey added: "This does give us a stronger voice on strategic issues.

"There are huge issues for transportation and movement about this borough and Dorset as a whole.

"Hopefully a combined authority where we have this influence and financial clout will help."

But, a day later, a meeting of Dorset County Council's audit and scrutiny committee, told Dorset's nine council leaders to rethink the plans.

The Daily Echo understands that of the eight policy and services areas to be worked on by the combined authority, four have been withdrawn because some councils no longer want them on the table.

These are believed to include planning and transport.

The full council at Christchurch will debate the combined authority issue on November 3.