Hampshire and the Solent has secured a major investment of £1.3 billion with new devolved powers confirmed that will boost the entire region.
Legal powers have gone through Parliament for a new Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) to be established later this year. Significant powers will be transferred from central government to the new authority, giving it controls over major local matters such as transport, housing, regeneration, health and wellbeing and the environment. It will be led by a new regional mayor set to be elected in May 2028.
The HSCCA will not replace but will work with local councils, who will still be responsible for delivering services and making decisions in their communities.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Devolution is a separate issue to LGR, which the government is forcing on local authorities. In Hampshire and the Solent it will mean the end of all 15 councils (including Portsmouth City Council) and new, larger councils formed. Portsmouth remains against Local Government Reorganisation and we are waiting for the government’s decision on LGR after consulting on options earlier this year.
Portsmouth City Council elections take place on 7 May this year.