Currently, central Government and Whitehall departments make some of the key decisions about what happens in Hampshire but devolution would transfer more of these central Government decision-making powers and extra money to Hampshire Authorities and provide greater local control over vital areas such as education, transport, and health services for Hampshire residents - giving people more power to shape the things that are important to them and provide robust local accountability.
As part of devolution proposals, a Mayor would be elected in the spring of 2026 to head up a new Combined Authority across the wider region incorporating Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council, in line with the Authorities’ expression of interest submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister last summer.
The Mayor would also promote the interests of the wider region to central Government. With a combined population of over two million residents, home to 90,000 businesses and an economy that generates around £80 billion a year, the area is a powerhouse of economic activity and a significant asset for the wider UK economy.
Alongside devolution, the County Council has committed to progress with developing proposals for local government reorganisation in the area. It would completely change the landscape of Hampshire’s local councils by replacing the current two-tier council system, which is in place across most of the region, with a number of new unitary (all-purpose) councils. This change aims to simplify how councils are organised and run, creating large and financially resilient unitary councils that are more efficient, effective and deliver better value for money for taxpayers. Proposals for local government reorganisation need to be submitted to Government by Autumn 2025.
If Government agrees for Hampshire to be added to the fast-track devolution programme it would then allow the County Council elections, due this May, to be postponed for 12 months. This postponement would be essential to enable local areas to focus on laying the groundwork for devolution and reorganisation and allow for a Mayor to be elected in 2026 so the benefits to local communities can be delivered as swiftly as possible. Reorganisation would then be expected to be in place by either April 2027 or April 2028.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King said: “The proposal of devolution for the Hampshire and Solent area is truly exciting and the benefits it could bring to local residents and businesses are transformational. At the same time as enabling us to take control of our future, devolution would attract millions of pounds into our region to help shape key policies and initiatives to enhance people’s quality of life and the growth opportunities of businesses. At the same time, we are being asked to bring forward proposals for local government reorganisation. It is vital that we take control of that process to ensure the outcome best suits the residents and businesses we serve.
“With final endorsement received today from the County Council’s Cabinet, we can now progress our work with Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and our 11 district council partners in Hampshire to draw up plans for a single Combined Authority for the collective area of our four upper tier authorities, in line with our joint Expression of Interest submitted to Government last summer. We will also engage with key stakeholders such as businesses, the further and higher education sectors, National Parks, police, fire service, health and parish and town councils. If the County Council is accepted onto the Devolution Priority Programme Government will then lead a consultation with residents on the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
“I recognise and share the concern of many, however the pressing deadline to submit our devolution plans to Government means it makes absolute sense to seek permission for our upcoming elections to be postponed. It will give us the space and capacity to complete this important work with crystal clear attention to the crucial job at hand, while working collaboratively across political parties and engaging with local communities to secure the best possible deal for our residents.”