A ‘landmark’ devolution deal has been proposed for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, setting out new powers around housing, productivity, infrastructure and transformation.
The plans, which involve all 15 local authorities working with the area’s two local enterprise partnerships, the private sector and health partners to deliver greater economic growth and better public services, are outlined in a letter to communities secretary Greg Clark.
A joint statement issued on behalf of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight devolution project read: ‘If plans go ahead local authorities, and therefore local people, would have more influence over how the region’s share of national spending is spent, enabling local priorities to be targeted.
‘A devolution deal would further strengthen the existing relationships between local organisations and allow them to build on successful joint projects already delivered to boost economic growth, support businesses, improve local services, and make Hampshire and Isle of Wight a better place to live and work.’
The letter marks the start of formal negotiations with government to agree a devolution deal, with more detailed plans expected to be submitted in the autumn.
