Minister visits city to promote devolution plans

Jim McMahon said Hampshire and the Solent would see investment and change after devolution

The government minister promoting devolution for Hampshire and the Solent has met with local officials from the four main authorities involved.

Jim McMahon, Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, spoke to representatives from Southampton city, Hampshire county, Portsmouth city and Isle of Wight councils.

The area is one of six considered for fast-track devolution, giving more money and power to a new authority and its elected mayor.

He told the BBC afterwards that Hampshire and the Solent would see investment and change after devolution.

"People care about whether local houses are being built, transport connectivity, good jobs and skills, and opportunities for young people too, and what devolution brings is the power at a local level to tie all those things together," he continued.

He added: "For so long people have witnessed a very centralising model, where ministers like me, often hundreds of miles away, are making decisions about local communities.

"It's really important now that we shift that power out of Westminster and Whitehall into the communities where people have skin in the game."

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced six new potential devolution areas, one of which was Hampshire and Solent, in February.

The decision meant the county council election was cancelled.

The shake-up of local councils will see smaller district councils merged with local county councils to create single bodies, known as unitary authorities.

The new bodies would represent populations of about 500,000.

Mr McMahon met with leader of Southampton City Council Lorna Fielker (left) and Southampton Test MP Satvir Kaur

Lorna Fielker, leader of Southampton City Council, said she found the day's conversations "really helpful".

She said: "There will be compromises that will need to be made but what's really important is that we look to a sense of identity, a sense of place, a sense of community, as we move forward with the discussions."

She added: "We know we've had our own problems financially but having all those different services in one place means we can look at how we deliver services in a different way, that is more cost-effective for the public purse while still delivering for residents."

Hampshire County Council has a budget deficit of £216m, and Southampton City Council has needed exceptional financial support to avoid effective bankruptcy.

Residents have until 13 April to comment on a government consultation.

If the plan goes ahead, mayoral elections will take place in May 2026.