Devolution

Hampshire and the Solent Devolution

What is devolution?

The devolution of powers from Westminster to regions across England offers people the opportunity for more local decision-making and more influence on how money and government powers are used to benefit their regions and their communities.

Background to devolution in Hampshire and the Solent

Upper tier Local Authorities in Hampshire and the Solent (HatS) were asked to submit an expression of interest for devolution last year (2024). In February 2025, the area was accepted onto the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP), paving the way for specific powers and funding to be transferred from central government to a new Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) covering the Isle of Wight, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Hampshire.

The journey so far...

In July 2025, the Government confirmed that our region met the tests to progress with the creation of a new Mayoral County Combined Authority (MCCA) for Hampshire and the Solent. This follows the recent announcement about the introduction of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.

What is the Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA)?

The MCCA would take on powers from central government, giving the region greater control of how it’s governed through more decisions being made in the region, by people who know and understand the region, rather than in Westminster.

Role of the Mayor

The proposed new authority would be led by a Mayor who will

  • work with stakeholders and residents to align strategic initiatives with community priorities
  • represent the region nationally and internationally
  • champion the region and attract inward investment to support regional growth

The Mayor will be elected in May 2026 for a four-year term and will work alongside council leaders from Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton on regional decisions. Local service decisions will remain with the existing councils.

Collaborative working

Working together, the MCCA and partner organisations will focus on strategic issues that benefit the region, ensuring joined-up governance and decisions that reflect the needs of local communities. The Combined Authority’s remit spans seven key areas

  • Transport and infrastructure
  • Skills and employment
  • Housing and strategic planning
  • Economic development and regeneration
  • The environment
  • Health, wellbeing, and public service reform
  • Public safety

Continuing role of local councils

Local councils across Hampshire and the Solent will continue to deliver day-to-day services and remain accountable for local improvements in consultation with their communities. The MCCA will work closely with them to ensure our collective priorities for the region are aligned.

Forward plan – What’s happening next

The proposed creation of the Hampshire and the Solent Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) is progressing through several key stages

  • Autumn/Winter 2025: The Government will lay legislation before Parliament to formally establish the MCCA. This legislation will be debated and refined during this period
  • Early 2026: Once approved, the legislation will be signed into law. This will mark the official creation of the MCCA as a legal entity
  • Spring 2026: Candidates standing for election as Mayor will be confirmed. A formal notice of election will be issued no later than 30 March 2026
  • May 2026: Elections will be held for the first Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent, who will lead the new authority and work alongside council leaders from the four constituent councils