SWINDON Borough Council could soon have a far greater range of responsibility after a request for more devolved powers.

The Government put forward proposals earlier this year giving councils a chance to take on more powers, and Swindon was one of 38 to put in a bid before the September 4 deadline.

Exact details of any devolution are unclear as talks are ongoing, but it could see a pot of cash given to the council which would decide how it is spent, or it could mean more involvement from local enterprise partnerships.

The Swindon bid covers housing, infrastructure, skills and public sector transformation.

Council leader David Renard said: “We have expressed an interest in the Government’s devolution programme.

“We want to have a greater say on how we can deliver sustainable growth and also, when we have that growth, how the infrastructure develops with that.

“It’s clear to everyone in the council that businesses in Swindon often struggle to recruit people with the right skills so we are keen to address that and create joined-up services with the Department of Work and Pensions.

“One thing we have seen from authorities further down the process is they may end up with something different than they initially wanted.”

Although not part of Swindon’s bid, one outcome of any devolution could be the introduction of directly elected mayors.

“The Government have changed their position on elected mayors,” said Coun Renard.

“Initially they were a condition of any bid but it was found not to be suitable in some areas and so that was removed.

“But we know the Government are still keen on them and if they were part of a deal it is something we would discuss.”

Wiltshire County Council have also launched a separate bid for more devolution.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Spreading opportunity, increasing social mobility, helping people get on – these aims run through this government like letters through a stick of rock.

“The best businesses would never shy away from allowing their customers to shape the way they improve their services.

“It is also a proven reality that money spent closer to people is often money spent wiser – so we can deliver more for less."