HM Government want to hear your views on creating a new mayoral combined county authority for Hampshire and the Solent to bring devolution to the area.
WHAT IS ENGLISH DEVOLUTION?
Devolution is where areas and their local leaders gain powers and funding previously held by national government. This means important decisions are made by someone who understands the needs of your community and what changes will have the best and biggest impact.
WHAT IS A MAYORAL COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY?
Mayoral combined county authorities are organisations made up of a group of councils who agree to take on devolved powers and funding so that they can take decisions together across a bigger area. They are led by a Mayor – who is elected by you – and do not replace the councils in your area.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR HAMPSHIRE AND THE SOLENT?
A new mayoral combined county authority for Hampshire and the Solent would receive powers, responsibilities and funding to help:
- Improve transport to make it easier for people to commute and travel
- Tailor skills and training for adults to the jobs available locally
- Build houses in the right places, with the right infrastructure
- Attract investment and support local businesses to grow
- Maximise the benefits of the area’s local natural environment and help tackle climate change
- Improve health and wellbeing
- Give the area a stronger voice nationally by taking a seat at the Prime Minister’s Council of Nations and Regions
HOW TO ENGAGE?
The consultation is live and closes on Sunday 13th April 2025 at 23:59. It is open to all residents, businesses, community and voluntary groups, and other organisations in the area.
You can complete the consultation by visiting gov.uk/hampshire-and-the-solent-devolution
