City councillors vote for power and money deal

Southampton councillors have voted to support plans for a Hampshire and Isle of Wight devolution deal.

It would mean the creation of a strategic combined authority that moves power and money from Whitehall to local areas, probably with an elected mayor.

The expression of interest can only be submitted if Portsmouth city, Hampshire county and Isle of Wight councils agree at their meetings later today and tomorrow.

The government's deadline for priority applications is Friday.

Other councils across the South are also involved in discussions about devolution deals.

Lorna Fielker, leader of Southampton city council, told the authority's cabinet devolution could help deliver economic growth, achieve net zero and reduce inequality across the city.

She said "It will mean more decision making powers and funding in areas like infrastructure, transport, planning, housebuilding, skills, employment initiatives, where it makes sense to work across a larger geographical area."

Councillor Richard Blackman, the leader of the opposition, said the Liberal Democrats supported the bid and agreed with devolution in principle.

But he said there were some concerns about the responsibilities of the new authority and the mayor's decision making process.

"We need to be sure we are not investing too much power in one individual," he added.

If the other local authorities agree and the government accepts Hampshire and the Isle of Wight into the priority programme, a public consultation would take place in the spring for people to have their say.

Any devolution deal would then be sent back to councillors for scrutiny.

If devolution is agreed by all involved, the election of a mayor would take place in May 2026.

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