Devolution
In December 2024, the government outlined plans for changes to the structure of local government in its Devolution White Paper.
The aim of the white paper is to create simpler and more efficient structures.
Hampshire currently operates under a two-tier system, a county council (along-side three unitary authorities) as the upper-tier, with district/borough councils as the second tier. As a result of the white paper, Hampshire needs to create a strategic authority with unitary councils (so the district councils won't exist in their current form).
What is Devolution?
Devolution involves transferring powers from central government to local areas, enabling them to make decisions and manage services directly affecting their communities. It can include powers over transport, housing, education, healthcare and local economic development. The government wants devolution to be done through strategic authorities – so there would be one strategic authority for Hampshire.
Will the strategic authority have an elected Mayor?
The Government’s white paper says that an area can only receive significant additional powers if it has an elected Mayor, therefore we would have to have one for the Hampshire area.
What are the potential benefits of devolution?
Devolution could mean:
- Better co-ordination of transport across the whole region
- Better support for skills development for residents because money will be spent locally rather than by national government
- More strategic control over planning and housing
- A stronger voice for our area with central Government
What is the Devolution Priority Programme?
The four unitary authorities which already exist in Hampshire (Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council and the Isle of Wight Council) have requested to be on the priority scheme.
It has been confirmed that the Hampshire proposal for devolution is on the priority scheme and it is anticipated that elections for a new Mayor for the new strategic authority would be in May 2026 and that the strategic authority would operate from then
Will there be an opportunity to have a say on devolution?
Central government has said it will be responsible for consultation on the new strategic authorities.
Local government reorganisation
What is local government reorganisation?
The Government also plans to replace the two-tier system (i.e county and district/borough councils) with larger unitary authorities by merging councils. These new authorities need populations of at least 500,000 and need to be based around functioning economic areas. This will mean that East Hampshire District Council will need to create a unitary with other districts and boroughs.
What is the difference between county, district and unitary councils?
Some areas (like East Hampshire) has two councils – a county and a district council which split responsibility for different services between them. Other areas have just one council – a unitary council responsible for all services e.g. Portsmouth City Council.
County councils provide strategic services which cover the whole county – things like education, waste disposal and adult social care.
District councils are smaller and provide more local services like waste collection, leisure facilities and environmental health.
Unitary councils are responsible for all local government services in their area.
What are the benefits of Local Government Reorganisation?
It could improve the way services are delivered across the area, giving better value for money; generating savings; and providing stronger strategic and local leadership. The aim is to simplify things for residents and deliver better outcomes