I HOPE everyone has had an incredible August and a chance to enjoy the weather safely, whether you took in the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, headed for the beach or made the most of the summer close to home.
I was thrilled to see hundreds of thousands of children and young people taking advantage of our free bus travel scheme again this summer.
I know this is making a difference to parents’ pockets, and Kids Go Free will be back again at Christmas to help families get out and about at what can be another expensive time of year.
First launched here in the West of England, children across the country got to experience Kids Go Free this August, as the scheme went national.
It’s one of the reasons Andy Burnham chose the West Country for his first visit as Prime Minister, to announce a new national bus fare cap.
During the visit I spoke with Andy about the importance of buses for people in our region, a lifeline which connects our towns and rural areas, and our exciting developing plans for mass transit.
We also discussed a visit to Ashton Gate in the future, to see Bristol City, whose London supporters’ club he used to play for. Graciously, I have agreed to go – even though I remain a steadfast Rovers supporter.
I’m sure that we’ll see lots more of Andy in the West of England, as he takes on his new role.
While the country is getting used to a new Prime Minister, there is another new beginning closer to home. I am thrilled to let you know we have been made an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority.
This means the West of England is now in the top tier of regions in England and is set to unlock a new wave of powers which will help us improve life for everyone in the West.
From now on, we are jointly front of the queue for further devolution, with greater control over transport, skills, housing, investment, public services and funding. It strengthens our voice nationally, gives us greater freedom to invest in our priorities and helps to ensure more of our region’s success is seen and felt by local people and businesses.
This is the moment we have been working towards since I became mayor 15 months ago.
I am delighted we have achieved our goal, ahead of schedule, and I am excited for the opportunities we have ahead of us in the West of England.
With more powers coming to the regions, under the government’s plans, we are going to have more funding and more freedom to invest in the West.
More decisions being made here in the West, for the West, will make sure we are building new homes where we need them, improving transport connections, and increasing jobs and opportunities for local people.
The government has announced a devolution revolution, and I cannot wait to get started.