Councillors called to special devolution meetings

Karl Love said he was dismayed by the timing of the announcement

Councils across the Solent and Hampshire region are holding meetings to discuss devolution ahead of a government deadline.

Last month, the government unveiled plans to reduce the overall number of councils and give more powers to mayors.

Isle of Wight Council chairman Karl Love said he was "dismayed" by the timing of the announcement, just before Christmas.

The island's full council will hold an extraordinary meeting on 8 January to discuss the implications, including a potential delay to local elections.

The government has given councils until 10 January to express their interest in joining the Devolution Priority Programme, which would create a strategic authority involving Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.

It has also requested reorganisation proposals which would see smaller councils grouped together to create unitary authorities.

Mr Love said the proposals were unveiled "when officers and councillors were preparing for the festive season, were on leave, and are busy preparing our council budget proposals for 2025".

Hampshire County Council's Nick Adams-King said he had been in talks with fellow council leaders

Hampshire County Council leader Nick Adams-King said he had been in talks with other councils about how to "secure the best deal possible as soon as the chance arose" and would seek backing from county councillors to join the priority programme at a special meeting on 9 January.

Portsmouth City Council's cabinet is holding an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday, and Southampton's cabinet is due to discuss the matter at its meeting on Tuesday.

Portsmouth leader Steve Pitt said the priority programme would give extra time to negotiate the new arrangements, adding: "Whatever happens, we will remain focused on ensuring we get the best results for Portsmouth and its residents."