Priorities for Growth

in Central South

Priorities for Good Growth Across Hampshire and The Solent

The election of Hampshire and the Solent’s first Mayor in May 2028 will be a pivotal moment for our region. Business South is ready to work in partnership with the incoming Mayor, constituent authorities, and regional leaders to turn strategic ambition into practical action.

In May 2028, the region will elect its first Mayor for the Hampshire and Solent Mayoral Combined Authority.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring together previously fragmented approaches to growth, ensuring joined-up action and lasting impact.

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Priorities for Good Growth Paper 2026

What is local government reorganisation?

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is about changing the structures of local government. This involves going from smaller authorities to larger authorities, encouraging collaboration and streamlining services. This process has been completed in places like Dorset and Wiltshire. Some places, such as Hampshire and the Solent are going through devolution, and Local government reorganisation, at the same time.

So what is happening currently in Hampshire & The Solent?

We have recently received confirmation of our new unitary authority boundaries. The 15 councils, made up of county, boroughs, districts and unitary authorities, have been reduced to 5 unitary authorities.

The next major milestone is the creation of the Foundational Strategic Authority for Hampshire and the Solent in Spring 2026.

𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐋𝐆𝐑) 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

In a letter to Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton council leaders the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, has confirmed his decision on Local Government Reorganisation in Hampshire and the Solent.

There will be 5 unitary councils. Four new councils on the mainland with the Isle of Wight remaining a standalone local authority.

Unitary Councils:
• North Hampshire Council
• Mid Hampshire Council
• South East Hampshire Council
• South West Hampshire Council

A Structural Changes Order is now required to abolish existing councils and establish new structures.

Rt Hon Steve Reed confirmed how the £63m in transition funding announced in February will be allocated. At least £900,000 per each new unitary authority. This means that the Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton invitation area will receive £3.6m for four new unitary councils.