Hampshire and The Solent Councils submit joint devolution request to government

The four upper-tier authorities across Hampshire and the Solent (Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council) have written to the government requesting to be formally included in the Government's Devolution Priority Programme

The letter follows an expression of interest, submitted last year, for a devolution deal for the area and marks an ongoing commitment to make sure residents benefit from the opportunities that devolution brings.

Together the councils represent a population of over two million residents, 90,000 businesses and a gross domestic product (GDP) of nearly £80 billion a year. The area is a true national and international economic powerhouse and a significant asset for the UK economy, through which there is substantial opportunity to drive further economic growth, productivity and innovation.

The councils have jointly outlined their intention to:

• Create a combined authority across the region alongside the election of a mayor for the area
• Be part of the devolution priority programme to fast-track delivery in the area and secure financial support
• Submit to government during March, outline proposals relating to the separate issue of local government reorganisation, with full proposals to follow in the autumn
• Request that Government exercises its power to postpone the Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight Council elections due to take place on 25 May 2025 to ensure the stability and capacity to deliver devolution proposals and realise benefits for the region as quickly as possible

Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council said:

”All four Leaders are committed to realising the significant benefits a combined authority can bring to the people and businesses across the Hampshire and Solent area. I’m excited about the opportunities this brings for the residents and businesses in Southampton. For example, using the additional funding to train people in the skills local businesses need is just one way a combined authority can benefit Southampton and the lives of the people who live here. More integrated transport systems become possible, helping people access jobs and leisure activities more easily, and we can take a strategic approach to delivering housing where it is needed most. While the separate programme of local government reorganisation will come with challenges, I’m confident that our joint desire to ensure local government works for local people will mean solutions can be found.”