Fast-track devolution approved for the city and wider region

Southampton City Council has welcomed the Government’s decision to fast-track establishing a new Strategic Mayoral Authority for, Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight.

The confirmation today that the area will be included in the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme is a major step towards establishing the new Mayoral Strategic Authority for the region with elections for the new Mayor now likely to be held in May 2026.

A new Mayoral Strategic Authority would bring significant additional funding and powers devolved from government departments to the region, with a focus on driving economic growth, investment in infrastructure and strategic transport and planning.

Last year the four upper tier authorities across Hampshire & the Solent (Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight Council) submitted a joint expression of interest to Government signalling their support for establishing a regional authority in order to access the additional funding and powers it could bring. This was followed in January by a request to be included in the Government's Devolution Priority Programme (DPP), a fast-track programme designed to deliver a new Mayoral Strategic Authorities across England.

Government have signalled they will launch a public consultation on proposals for Mayoral Strategic Authorities to seek local residents’ views.

Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council said:

“Devolution will bring enormous benefits for the residents of Southampton and the wider region, being accepted onto the Government’s fast-track programme is a major step forward.

“Devolving powers from Westminster to a regional Mayor will mean decisions about our transport network, major infrastructure investment, employment support programmes and more will be made locally It will also bring millions in additional funding to improve the lives of local people and drive economic growth.

“I am pleased that, with the approval received today, the Government is recognising the opportunity in the region, and the contribution Southampton and its partners can make to the wider UK economy.”