Ministers have rejected a devolution bid by three south coast unitaries after the trio turned down the chance to join neighbouring Hampshire’s offer.
Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight rejected joining a deal agreed between the Government and Hampshire’s county and districts, and instead submitted proposals for a deal of their own.
In a joint statement, the unitaries said: ‘It has been made clear to us that the opportunity for a locally-developed solution has no prospect of being supported by this Government.
‘Sadly, this continued inertia and take it or leave it approach has the impact of limiting economic growth and [the] prosperity of the residents and businesses of the Solent.’
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