Consultation opens for Hampshire devolution plans
By Connor Steel
HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS have been invited to voice their opinions on future “devolution” proposals across this region as the Government recently launched a public consultation regarding the reorganisation of local councils; which follows an announcement by the UK Deputy Prime Minister and could provide an once-in-a-generation opportunity if approved.
A white paper was published in December 2024 setting out this plan to spread devolution to more areas across the UK by May next year; one of these being “Hampshire & Solent” under the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme. It would join together a strategic mayoral authority covering Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight.
The reorganisation would hope to transfer powers and resources from the national Government to the local authorities; which would allow councils to collaborate on main areas such as transport, housing, skills, and economic development. It could then signal more funding and other benefits which have been listed on the Hampshire County Council web link.
Elections for Hampshire County Council have been postponed until May 7 2026 to allow certain progress on devolution proposals; Government asking for last plans on new unitary councils by September. This decision will then be made on local government reorganisation by Government ministers and the mayoral elections could take place in May next year.
Residents have been urged to complete this online consultation form before April 13 (Sunday) and it is available to use via this link with seventeen questions to answer. Many of them are multiple choice and refers to this detailed devolution document; whilst there is text boxes to write “detailed opinions” and residents can be sent a PDF copy of their answers.
Further information about devolution in Hampshire can be examined online using this designated County Council page; which includes multiple questions and answers alongside the full comments from Councillor Nick Adams-King (Leader).
PICTURED BY ALAMY (GGCW2E): Four councils across Hampshire could form a ‘strategic mayoral authority’ in 2026.
