Disappointment from Hampshire County Council leader as unitary councils reject Pan-Hampshire deal

By Giles Gwinnett

21 July 2023

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A move to potentially create a 'southern powerhouse' via a so called Pan-Hampshire Deal worth £1.14bn has reportedly been rejected by Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight unitary councils.

Disappointment has been voiced by the leader of Hampshire County Council about the rejection of this deal, which was designed to bring significant investment into the county's economy and devolve other funding and powers currently held in government departments.

The Pan-Hampshire area covers Hampshire County Council, Southampton and Portsmouth City Councils, the 11 district and borough councils within the County Council administrative area and the Isle of Wight Council.

Cllr Rob Humby, leader of Hampshire County Council, had previously welcomed a statement from government confirming its intention to advance a single county deal.

He was reported as saying "Potential new funding of £1.1B, along with extra investment, would significantly benefit our region in line with other parts of England that have already proceeded.

"For many months, the county council have worked together with all councillors and stakeholders of the wide Hampshire to join and shape our proposal for the devolution.

"Since we submitted the plans to the Government at the end of last year, ministers and officials have responded extremely positively to our ambition.

But he added: "However, the leaders of the three unitary councils of Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight have also written to Government requesting a separate 'Two Deal Solution', one for the unitary councils and one for the county."

In June, Cllr Humby had said: "Pan-Hampshire is a genuine southern powerhouse, combining towns, cities, people, and businesses that are part of a nationally and internationally important economic area.

"A Pan-Hampshire County Deal would make a significant contribution to Hampshire’s economic prosperity.

"It would stimulate economic recovery, regeneration, and business growth across the Pan-Hampshire area, as well as the wider region, now and for the future – with the goal of making the Pan-Hampshire area better and stronger, and all the benefits this would bring to the people who live, work, and visit the area."

He had added: "This is a once in a generation opportunity to bring far reaching benefits for our residents, communities and business – improving people’s lives for decades to come."

By Giles Gwinnett

Giles Gwinnett is a writer at The Business Magazine. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and covered a vast array of topics at a range of media settings - in print and online. After his NCTJ newspaper training, he became a reporter in Hampshire before moving to a news agency in Gloucestershire. In recent years, he has been covering the financial markets along with company news for an investor-focused web portal. His many interests include politics, energy and the environment. He lives in Dorset.