And as we move toward the future...

Whilst we remain focused on delivering high quality services, we recognise the opportunities Devolution offers the people of Hampshire.

We also believe strongly that it will be imperative we can achieve the right outcome from Local Government Reorganisation for future generations. We will work hard for you to ensure that we get the best possible results, all the while maintaining a focus on the long-term financial stability of local government services and transformation where it improves people's quality of life for today and tomorrow and for generations to come.

Devolution – unlocking potential opportunities

Devolution presents a unique opportunity for Hampshire to gain greater control over local decisions and resources. With Devolution comes benefits which will provide the ability for us to work directly with a new elected Mayor to strengthen economic recovery and growth in the region, through securing substantial new functions, powers, and resources that create an enhanced place-based leadership at a regional and local level.

A new strategic Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) will not provide the day-to-day services we currently deliver as a County Council. It will provide the ability to leverage significant new investment funding from Government and the private sector which will help to support how strategic priorities that are common across the region, such as transport, skills and employment and health inequalities in deprived areas are managed and funded. It will provide clearer responsibilities which will improve our local natural environment, strengthen our community resilience, and provide better representation for Hampshire and the Solent’s residents at a national level through an elected Mayor.

As part of the commitment of ‘Your Hampshire, today and for tomorrow’, we will continue to work with and collaborate with our local Government neighbours and
partners in the area to shape and guide how we work up to the establishment of the new MCCA.

Local Government Reorganisation – getting the right outcome for our residents

To achieve the benefits Devolution offers, the Government is requiring us to change the way councils across the area are organised. These changes will also be reflected in legislation. As we navigate this process, our goal is to ensure that your future unitary councils are financially sustainable and focused on what matters most to local residents. As the only County Council in the area, we are unique. We are therefore committed to representing the best interests of our residents throughout the reorganisation process.

Through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), we want to see the creation of new local authorities which are:

Simpler – Provide high quality services that meet people’s needs, with clear points of contact
Stronger – Build strong local networks to connect people and communities
Secure – Create strong and financially stable councils, to deliver better value for taxpayers and protect important services

During the transition to new unitary authorities, we will seek to continuously improve and transform our own services, and the services we deliver with our partners, in support of positive and inclusive outcomes for all our residents – establishing the intent and drive for the future and beyond 2028.