Hampshire among six areas nationally fast-tracked for devolution
Hampshire has been accepted onto the government’s Devolution Priority Programme (DPP), setting the county up for greater control over its own education, transport and health services.
It’s one of just six areas around the country to have made a successful bid, joining Cumbria, Cheshire & Warrington, Norfolk & Suffolk, Greater Essex and Sussex & Brighton.
As part of devolution, a mayor would be elected in Spring 2026 to head up a new combined authority across the region currently covered by Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council.
This mayor would work with local council leaders to make decisions on allocating regional funding and, it’s hoped, will facilitate greater collaboration across council boundaries on areas including transport, skills and employment, housing and planning, and tackling climate change.
Cllr Nick Adams-King, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “This is exciting news for Hampshire.
“Devolution represents the biggest change to local government in a generation.
“To be accepted onto government’s Devolution Priority Programme is a fantastic opportunity for Hampshire to self-determine and shape devolution proposals in the best interests of our residents and communities.
“With a combined population of over two million residents, 90,000 businesses and an economy generating around £80 billion annually, Hampshire and the Solent region are pivotal to the UK’s economic landscape.
“This will enable us to deliver the best possible future for our citizens and businesses, enhancing people’s quality of life and leading the way in the UK’s economic recovery over the coming years.
“We’re committed to working in partnership across local government, businesses, education and the wider landscape of public sector partners to explore devolution’s potential for our area.”
The government will soon consult with Hampshire residents to gather feedback on the proposals.
It’s also been announced that the county council’s elections, originally scheduled for May, should be postponed for another 12 months, with any necessary by-elections going ahead as normal.
