In the letter from leaders of six of Gloucestershire’s seven councils – sent to ministers Matthew Pennycook and Miatta Fahnbulleh – leaders say the first essential step is the creation of a single countywide Foundation Strategic Authority by May next year.

This would give Gloucestershire the strategic capacity, devolved powers and evidence base needed to progress towards WECA membership in the years ahead, Gloucestershire County Council said.

The letter is co-signed by the leaders of Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold District Council, Stroud District Council, Gloucester City Council, Cheltenham Borough Council and the Forest of Dean District Council.

Tewkesbury Borough Council will confirm its position at a council meeting next month.

“WECA was set up in 2017 to make decisions and investments that benefit people living and working in the West of England,” a GCC spokesperson said.

“Its aim is to deliver economic growth for the region and address some of the region’s challenges, such as productivity and skills, housing and transport.

“Council leaders state that Gloucestershire’s economic strengths already align closely with that region, comprising Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

“High-growth sectors such as cyber and secure tech, green energy, digital, aerospace, agritech and advanced manufacturing show stronger links with WECA than with alternative regional geographies.

“Labour market flows, commuting patterns and shared infrastructure investments further reinforce this southwest orientation.”

Leaders argue joining WECA would bring stronger regional collaboration, more direct access to investment, deeper strategic and analytical capacity and a governance model naturally aligned to Gloucestershire’s economic identity.

The proposed devolution pathway runs alongside an ongoing programme to reorganise local government in Gloucestershire.

The Government is currently considering three proposals for moving from the existing county and district model to one or two unitary councils.

A consultation on local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire ended on Thursday, March 26, and a decision is expected this summer.

Leaders are clear that the preference for a single countywide FSA would apply regardless of whether Gloucestershire ultimately becomes one or two unitary authorities.

The councils have also confirmed their commitment to developing a Gloucestershire Spatial Development Strategy – a strategic planning framework guiding sustainable growth, infrastructure and land use.

Preparatory work has already been coordinated through the Gloucestershire City Region Board, including shared evidence, a Local Growth Plan, the Strategic and Local Plan and a local nature recovery strategy.

Leaders have invited ministers to early talks ‘to ensure Gloucestershire can move at pace and secure a devolution arrangement suited to the county’s history, economy and ambitions’, GCC said.

Further detail on Gloucestershire’s proposed devolution pathway will be submitted in an Expression of Interest to the Government later this year.

Lisa Spivey, GCC leader, speaking on behalf of the six council leaders who signed the letter, said: “Gloucestershire’s council leaders agree this is the right way forward for the county.

“Our economy and our communities already work closely with the West of England, so this approach would see our area join a combined authority that truly reflects who we are and where we most naturally align.

“By setting out our position now, we are aiming to unlock the benefits of devolution sooner, ensuring our householders feel the difference in their day-to-day lives.”