Devolution consultation now open

Have your say on proposals to establish a new Mayoral Combined Authority for Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight in Government consultation, open until Sunday 13 April 2025

Government has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on proposals to set up a Mayoral Combined Authority for Hampshire and the Solent. This consultation gives local residents the opportunity to share their views on the proposal and how the new regional body should work.

This new authority will bring significant additional funding and powers from government departments to the region, with a focus on driving economic growth, investment in infrastructure and strategic transport and planning. If approved, elections for the new regional Mayor would be held in May 2026.

The consultation will run for eight weeks. The feedback gathered will inform Government Ministers’ views ahead of final decision later in the summer.

Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council said:

"We’ve always been clear that local people need to have a meaningful role to play in the devolution process. Devolution brings huge opportunities for Southampton, and it’s really important that the city’s residents and businesses have their say. I’d encourage everyone to make sure they use this opportunity to help shape the proposed devolution arrangements for our region and ensure that they truly reflect the needs of Southampton."

The Government run consultation on proposals for Mayoral Combined Authorities is now open and will remain open until 11:59pm on Sunday 13 April. Have your say today by going to Hampshire and the Solent Devolution Consultation.