Hampshire and Solent Devolution Reaches Major Milestone with New Mayoral Authority Confirmed
A major step forward in local governance has been confirmed today as the Government announced it is pressing ahead with the creation of a new Mayoral County Combined Authority (MCCA) for Hampshire and the Solent.
The move marks a significant milestone in the region’s devolution journey and will see Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council, and Isle of Wight Council granted new powers and access to substantial funding to drive local priorities.
Work is already underway on the legislative framework that will formally establish the new authority later this year, with the first mayoral election scheduled for May 2026.
Greater Powers, Local Decisions
The MCCA will be empowered to make decisions on key issues such as transport, housing, infrastructure, skills, and economic development, bringing governance closer to communities and reflecting local needs. It aims to unlock new investment, boost growth, and give residents a stronger voice in shaping the future of their area.
This development follows the recent introduction of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill (10 July), designed to enable more responsive, community-driven governance across the country.
Local Leaders Welcome the Announcement
The leaders of the partner councils have welcomed the Government’s commitment to devolving more power and funding to the region.
Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:
“Today’s announcement marks a pivotal moment for Southampton and our partner councils. It reflects our shared ambition and readiness to take on greater powers and deliver real benefits for our communities.
“My predecessor, Councillor Lorna Fielker, worked closely with the leaders of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth to be placed on the Devolution Priority Programme. Building on the strong partnership working already in place across the region, this is a historic step forward for local democracy and regional growth — and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council, described the move as a “landmark moment”:
“This is a landmark moment for Hampshire and the wider region, with devolution offering a real opportunity to bring decision-making closer to the people and places it affects most. For our area, this is about unlocking new investment, driving economic growth, and delivering long-term benefits for our communities – giving residents a strong voice in shaping the future of our towns and neighbourhoods. We look forward to working closely with local partners, businesses, and community leaders to turn this opportunity into meaningful change on the ground.”
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, added:
“Devolution has the potential to benefit Portsmouth residents and businesses and the wider area and deliver extra regional powers and investment in jobs, infrastructure and services.
“This announcement shows the Government recognises we’re ready to take on more responsibility for the things that matter to people living here. It’s important we now secure the powers that will have the impact we need for our area, so we will continue to work with partners to create a new strategic authority that delivers the best outcomes for residents.”
Distinct from Local Government Reform
Officials have confirmed that this devolution deal is entirely separate from the Government’s ongoing plans for Local Government Reorganisation, which could see existing councils replaced by larger single-tier authorities covering populations of around 500,000 people.
The MCCA represents a distinct and voluntary opportunity for councils to collaborate and gain greater control over regional development without altering existing council boundaries — for now.
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What’s Next?
The coming months will focus on finalising legislation, preparing for the 2026 mayoral election, and setting out the first plans for how the MCCA will operate — and where its early investment will be targeted.
As the region stands on the brink of major change, local leaders are clear: this is a chance to shape a more prosperous, locally led future.