There are calls for a “clear route” for Gloucestershire to be able to join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to secure more powers and unlock growth.

The reorganisation of local government across England is currently on hold while ministers review the process after a series of judicial reviews and legal challenges in other parts of the country.

In Gloucestershire, the plan is for all six districts to merge with the county council to form a unitary authority which would then provide all their respective services.

And once that is complete, the idea is for the county to form its own or join another strategic authority.

However, despite the ongoing pause, six out of the seven leaders of the main councils have reiterated their willingness to join an enlarged WECA bringing more powers, funding and decisions closer to the region.

In a letter to Jim McMahon OBE MP, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth, they reaffirmed their ambition for Gloucestershire to become a full member of an enlarged WECA.

However, there is growing concern in the Forest of Dean over the lack of debate over the suggestion as councillors were kept in the dark over the proposal and Labour MP Matt Bishop has called for all credible options to be considered.

Those strongly advocating to join WECA say such a partnership would reflect Gloucestershire’s strong links with Bristol and the wider South West and believe it would unlock economic growth, strengthen public services and position the region as one of the UK’s most significant for innovation, national security and investment.

The renewed call for a devolution deal with WECA which includes Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and soon North Somerset.

The joint letter calls on the Government to support the county’s goal of joining WECA and consider establishing a Gloucestershire Foundation Strategic Authority as a first step towards full membership.

They also want ministers to confirm the county’s place in the Government’s devolution programme and provide a clear timetable and decision-making process.

And council leaders want to begin early discussions with Gloucestershire, the West of England Combined Authority and its councils.

Gloucestershire County Council leader Lisa Spivey, speaking on behalf of those who signed the joint letter, said they want a “clear route forward” to “maintain momentum, and achieve the vision and ambition” they have for the county.

“We want to capitalise on the opportunities devolution presents to secure greater investment, create new opportunities and help make our communities healthier and more prosperous,” she said.

Devolution means moving powers, funding and decisions out of Westminster and closer to local communities. Joining an enlarged West of England Combined Authority could give the region more say over transport, infrastructure, housing, skills and economic growth.

Cllr Spivey reiterated that the best way to do that is through membership of WECA: “Gloucestershire is already closely connected to Bristol and the wider West of England. People travel across the region for work, education and healthcare, while our businesses and public services increasingly work together.