Hampshire Embarks on Historic Devolution Journey with £1.3 Billion Government Deal

Introduction: A Once-in-a-Generation Transformation

Hampshire is on the cusp of its most significant political and administrative transformation in decades. Devolution represents the biggest change to local government in a generation, as the county moves towards establishing a new mayoral combined authority. This momentous shift will impact over 2 million residents across Hampshire and the Solent region, fundamentally changing how local decisions are made and services are delivered.

The Devolution Priority Programme: Fast-Track to Change

On 5 February 2025, the Government announced that Hampshire and the Solent is one of six areas across England to take part in the Devolution Priority Programme in 2025 and 2026. This acceptance came after Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Councils submitted a joint expression of interest in joining the DPP in January 2025. The programme aims to transfer powers and funding from Westminster to local areas, enabling more decisions to be made closer to the communities they affect.

£1.3 Billion Investment Revealed

In a significant development, the region had been, in principle, awarded the Hampshire and the Solent Mayoral Combined County Authority funding worth £44.6million a year for 30 years, totalling £1.3billion as part of a proposed devolution deal. This substantial investment will support regional infrastructure, transport, housing, skills, and economic development initiatives across the area.

Mayoral Election and Local Government Reorganisation

A Mayor would be elected in the spring of 2026 to head up a new Combined Authority across the wider region incorporating Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council. To facilitate this ambitious timeline, the Government has confirmed that local elections for Hampshire County Council will be postponed until May 2026. They were due to take place in May 2025.

Alongside devolution, the Government has invited councils to develop proposals for creating new unitary authorities with populations of around 500,000, replacing the current two-tier structure of county and district councils.

What This Means for Hampshire Residents

Devolution would transfer more of these central Government decision-making powers and extra money to Hampshire Authorities and provide greater local control over vital areas such as education, transport, and health services for Hampshire residents. The new combined authority will enable the region to speak with a unified voice on national issues whilst making decisions that better reflect local needs and priorities.

Conclusion: A Transformative Opportunity

Hampshire’s devolution journey represents a watershed moment for local governance in the region. With substantial government investment secured and a clear path towards establishing a mayoral combined authority by 2026, the county is positioned to take greater control of its future. For residents and businesses alike, this transformation promises enhanced local decision-making, increased investment in infrastructure and services, and a stronger regional voice at the national level. As Hampshire progresses through this historic transition, the success of this devolution model could shape the future of local government across England for generations to come.