Wiltshire Council has submitted proposals to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for extra powers and controls to be devolved from central government.

The proposals would see public sector agencies working even more closely together across the county to protect the vulnerable, boost the local economy and strengthen communities.

A cross-party working group on devolution will be set up so all parties have the opportunity to have an input.

The Wiltshire proposals focus on empowering local communities and encouraging greater co-working within the public sector in the county, building on the close working already underway between organisations within the county to deliver their strategies.

Wiltshire took the step of combining five councils into one in 2009. Merging the five previous authorities has delivered savings to the taxpayer of £125m over the last five years and back office costs now comprise less than 7 per cent of the budget – compared to 19 per cent for predecessor bodies. This has resulted in there being no rise in council tax for five years.

The proposals aim to deliver seamless working across a wider range of services.

To deliver this vision, Wiltshire Council has proposed a range of measures which build on its work to develop cooperation on the use of public buildings, integrating health and social care even further, and increasing the devolution of services to community area boards.

Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Wiltshire stands on the cusp of something truly historic.

"All of the public service partners in the county are committed to working more closely together and delivering a stronger economy, protecting the vulnerable and empowering our communities.

“These proposals would deliver robust joined-up governance for Wiltshire. We know that in a time of austerity, more of the same will not deliver the transformation in services our residents need.

“The proposals combined with our track record of success and ambitious plans for the future, offer the opportunity to truly empower organisations in Wiltshire to act in the long term interests of local people.”