‘Hampshire County Council Leads Devolution & Local Government Restructure’

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Hampshire County Council has taken a momentous step towards enhancing the future for Hampshire’s residents and businesses by joining the Government’s Priority Programme for devolution. This move aims to shift decision-making powers and additional funding from central Government to Hampshire Authorities, providing greater local control over crucial areas such as education, transport, and health services.
The Council’s decision to request inclusion in the fast-track devolution plans was made during the Full County Council meeting on Thursday, January 9, followed by the Authority’s Cabinet meeting on Friday, January 10. If approved, this shift would empower residents to influence important matters and ensure robust local accountability.
As part of the devolution proposals, a Mayor would be elected in spring 2026 to lead a new Combined Authority, which would include Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council. This move follows the Authorities’ expression of interest submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister last summer.
The Mayor would advocate for the region’s interests to central Government. With over two million residents, 90,000 businesses, and an economy generating around £80 billion annually, the area is a significant economic powerhouse for the UK.
In addition to devolution, the County Council is committed to developing proposals for local government reorganisation. This would replace the current two-tier council system with new unitary councils, simplifying council operations and creating financially resilient councils that are more efficient and provide better value for taxpayers. Proposals for reorganisation must be submitted to the Government by Autumn 2025.
If Hampshire is included in the fast-track devolution programme, the County Council elections scheduled for May would be postponed for 12 months. This delay would allow local areas to focus on preparing for devolution and reorganisation, enabling a Mayor to be elected in 2026 and delivering benefits to local communities as quickly as possible. The reorganisation is expected to be implemented by either April 2027 or April 2028.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King, expressed his excitement about the potential benefits of devolution for the Hampshire and Solent area. He highlighted the transformational impact it could have on local residents and businesses by attracting millions of pounds into the region to enhance people’s quality of life and business growth opportunities.
Councillor Nick Adams-King emphasised the importance of taking control of the devolution and reorganisation process to ensure the best outcome for the residents and businesses served by the Council. Collaboration with Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council, and 11 district council partners in Hampshire will be key in drawing up plans for a single Combined Authority for the collective area.
As the County Council progresses its work, it will engage with key stakeholders such as businesses, education sectors, National Parks, police, fire service, health services, and parish and town councils. If the County Council is accepted onto the Devolution Priority Programme, the Government will lead a consultation with residents on the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Councillor Nick Adams-King acknowledged the concerns surrounding the upcoming elections but highlighted the pressing deadline to submit devolution plans to the Government. Postponing the elections would provide the necessary space and capacity to complete this important work with a clear focus on the crucial task at hand, while collaborating across political parties and engaging with local communities to secure the best possible deal for residents.
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