In 2024, the upper tier councils of Hampshire and the Solent (HatS) asked central government for more local decision-making powers. In February 2025, the area was accepted into the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP). This means that some powers and funding will move from central government to the new Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA), which will cover the whole of the county of Hampshire including the city regions of Southampton and Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
Devolution is the process of giving more powers to regions across England. The Government is also aiming to make the powers devolved to Combined Authorities consistent across England. In practice, this means more decisions made and spending determined locally rather than by central government. For our region, this will mean decisions being made closer to home, by people who know and understand local needs. It will give communities a stronger voice and more influence over how money is spent and how services are run.
This will be a positive change for Southampton with the potential to bring in new investment. It also gives access to additional powers to improve collaboration across our region in these key areas.
- Transport and local infrastructure
- Skills and employment support
- Housing and strategic planning
- Economic growth and regeneration
- Environment and net zero
- Health, wellbeing and public service reform
- Public safety
Devolution and the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority is separate to the Government's plan for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). LGR is progressing in parallel to Devolution and will see the 15 existing Councils across Hampshire the Solent replaced by a smaller number of new Unitary Councils. The MCCA will not replace any local councils and will work closely with local authorities in the region to develop and deliver their plans.
Timeline
5 February 2025
Application to join the Devolution Priority Programme accepted.
February to April 2025
Government public consultation on setting up the new MCCA for Hampshire and the Solent.
July 2025
Government confirmed next steps in creating the new MCCA.
Winter 2025
Legislation completed by government to create the new MCCA.
February/March 2026
Confirmation of candidates standing for election.
May 2026
Elections for the new Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent.
Frequently asked questions
What does this mean for people who live and work in Southampton?
SHOW
A new Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) will guarantee long term funding flowing into the region to improve local transport, promote economic growth and enhance skills, housing and quality of life in the region. It will also mean more of the decisions that impact our region which are currently taken by national government will be taken locally instead.
Will this mean a rise in council tax to cover the new authority?
SHOW
The Government will provide an investment fund to Mayoral Combined County Authorities over the next 30 years. This money is for investment into initiatives that fall within the powers and duties of the MCCA.
When a Mayor is elected, they will have the option to raise a Mayoral Precept to support the work of the MCCA across their areas of competence.
When will we elect a Mayor for Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight?
SHOW
Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been working together to develop proposals for devolution for some time. They have been accepted onto the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme which fast-tracks this process and means that elections for a new regional Mayor will be held on 7th May 2026 alongside the local elections.
What will the new Mayor do?
SHOW
The new regional Mayor will be given powers and funding from government to coordinate and drive improvements in our region with a particular focus on economic growth and regeneration, improving transport connectivity, investment in infrastructure and setting the strategic planning framework for the region. The Mayor will collaborate with stakeholders and local people to align strategic initiatives with community priorities. They will also represent and champion the region to external partners such as government, businesses and investors nationally and internationally.
Who will choose the new Mayor?
SHOW
Elections for the new regional Mayor will be held on 7 May 2026, with the count taking place in Portsmouth. Residents across Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will be eligible to vote. The Mayor will be elected for a four-year term.
How would the Mayor be held to account?
SHOW
The Mayor is accountable to voters and will be elected every four years. The council leaders of Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton are also a part of the MCCA and have a say in the decisions taken at the regional level. There will be mechanisms for residents of the region, and stakeholder groups, to engage with the Mayor directly and these will be publicised after a Mayor is elected.
Will the new Mayor be responsible for council services like bin collection or social care?
SHOW
No, local councils will continue to be responsible for the services they run now. The MCCA will primarily be responsible for functions currently held by national Government like strategic transport improvement and economic growth and investment.
Will a Mayoral County Combined Authority mean more funding for Southampton?
SHOW
Yes, the new MCCA will mean significant amounts of Government funding devolved to a regional level. This will mean more investment in the infrastructure of our region which can be directed towards our regional priorities.
How can I have my say on the proposals to set up a Mayoral County Combined Authority?
SHOW
Government held a public consultation on proposals for a MCCA in Hampshire and the Solent over February to April 2025. The outcomes of the consultation are available online.
While this was a Government consultation, the upper tier local authorities promoted it on multiple communication channels and with community groups to ensure everyone had the opportunity to have their say.
Will devolution add an additional layer of bureaucracy?
SHOW
These decision-making powers currently sit with national government. By creating a regional Combined Authority it will bring these powers to Hampshire and the Solent, so it’s a transfer of powers to the region and not a duplication. It is intended to increase democratic accountability.
