The area that will be covered by the new authority Credit: ITV News West Country
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees says plans to create a new West of England authority could mark the biggest change in decision making in the region for generations.
It follows the decision by Bristol City Council, Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils to give final go-ahead to the devolution deal. The vote paves the way for elections next May for a new 'Metro mayor' for the region. But North Somerset Council - which opposed the plans - will not be involved.
The West of England Combined Authority will manage new powers, funding and responsibilities handed from central Government to the region as part of the deal. As a result, more decisions will be made locally rather than nationally, including about spending on regional transport, housing, adult education and skills.
The Combined Authority will be led by the new West of England Mayor and the Cabinet will be the Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Cllr Tim Warren, Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees, and the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Matthew Riddle.
