Transferring of Town Assets
Devolution
Transferring of Town Assets
Devolution
What is Devolution?
Devolution is the process of transferring town assets from North Somerset Council to Weston-super-Mare Town Council. This process is about giving more power and responsibility to local areas, so decisions are made closer to the people they affect.
In Weston-super-Mare, this means the Town Council is working with North Somerset Council to take on the management of certain local assets, such as parks, green spaces and community facilities.
Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all national approach, devolution empowers the whole community — including the council, residents, community partners and organisations — to unlock the full potential of the area. It allows investment to be directed towards local assets, ensuring that growth and opportunity are built around what makes Weston-super-Mare unique.
Local councils are closest to people and places. They have the power to listen, the duty to act and the ability to make impactful change.
Local councils are closest to people and places. They have the power to listen, the duty to act and the ability to make impactful change.
What is Devolution?
Devolution is the process of transferring town assets from North Somerset Council to Weston-super-Mare Town Council. This process is about giving more power and responsibility to local areas, so decisions are made closer to the people they affect.
In Weston-super-Mare, this means the Town Council is working with North Somerset Council to take on the management of certain local assets, such as parks, green spaces and community facilities.
Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all national approach, devolution empowers the whole community — including the council, residents, community partners and organisations — to unlock the full potential of the area. It allows investment to be directed towards local assets, ensuring that growth and opportunity are built around what makes Weston-super-Mare unique.
Local councils are closest to people and places. They have the power to listen, the duty to act and the ability to make impactful change.
Local councils are closest to people and places. They have the power to listen, the duty to act and the ability to make impactful change.
Why we are embracing the Devolution process…
Local people understand Weston best.
We know what makes our town special, where improvements are needed, and what will make the biggest difference to residents’ everyday lives.
Devolution gives us the opportunity to:
• Take greater responsibility for local spaces
• Respond more quickly to local needs
• Invest in the things that matter most to our communities
• Build a more resilient and locally focused town
It also ensures that decisions are strategic, sustainable and community-led, helping Weston-super-Mare grow in a way that reflects its identity and future ambitions.
Devolution is not just about taking on assets, it’s about creating long-term value and lasting benefits for our community, ensuring that every decision supports wellbeing, sustainability and local pride.
Our story so far…
Devolution in Weston-super-Mare is being carefully developed through collaboration, forward planning and community focus. Initial conversations with North Somerset Council were held in 2024 to explore opportunities for the town.
Since early 2025:
We are now moving into the delivery phase for the early transfers, where plans are beginning to turn into visible improvements across the town.
This is just the beginning and the programme will continue to evolve as new opportunities arise over the coming years!
What does Devolution mean for Weston-super-Mare?
For Weston, devolution means having a stronger voice and the opportunity to engage in conversations around local assets, helping create greater local influence over the town’s future.
It creates opportunities to:
• Improve and maintain local spaces more effectively
• Shape how parks, play areas and facilities are used
• Invest in areas that matter most to residents
• Strengthen community pride and ownership
It also means decisions can better reflect what matters most to our community – whether that’s enhancing parks, improving the town centre or making the most of our local facilities.
Devolution helps ensure that the town’s priorities are heard and acted upon, supporting a place people are proud to live in and visit.
How does it work?
Devolution is a partnership approach.
Weston-super-Mare Town Council works closely with North Somerset Council to identify opportunities where assets or services can be managed locally.
Each opportunity goes through a careful process:
Glossary
• Devolution – Transferring responsibility and ownership of assets and services to a more local level
• Asset Transfer – Moving ownership or management of land or facilities between organisations
• Business Case – A detailed plan assessing costs, benefits and risks
• Sustainability – Ensuring something can be managed and maintained long-term
• Community Benefit – Positive outcomes and impact for local people and neighbourhoods
• Freehold Transfer – Full legal ownership of land or property
• Interim Agreement – Temporary arrangement before full transfer
Glossary
• Devolution – Transferring responsibility and ownership of assets and services to a more local level
• Asset Transfer – Moving ownership or management of land or facilities between organisations
• Business Case – A detailed plan assessing costs, benefits and risks
• Sustainability – Ensuring something can be managed and maintained long-term
• Community Benefit – Positive outcomes and impact for local people and neighbourhoods
• Freehold Transfer – Full legal ownership of land or property
• Interim Agreement – Temporary arrangement before full transfer
