Purpose

To consider the Council’s
response to the Government consultation regarding devolution proposals for
Hampshire and the Solent.

 

Hampshire, Isle of Wight,
Portsmouth and Southampton Councils applied to join the Devolution Priority
Programme to establish a Mayoral Combined County Authority across these
areas.  On 5 February 2025, the Ministry
of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) confirmed Hampshire and
the Solent was one of six regions across England that has been accepted onto
the programme.

 

A public consultation on the establishment
of a Mayoral Combined County Authority in the area is the first key step of the
Devolution Priority Programme; the consultation is led by the MHCLG and is
required before taking a decision on whether to proceed with the making of the
necessary legislation to enable devolution. 
It seeks views on the Proposed Geography, Governance Arrangements,
Supporting the Economy, Improving Social Outcomes, Local Government Services,
Improving the local natural environment,  and Supporting the needs of the local
communities and reflect local identity.

 

The eight-week consultation,
launched on 17 February 2025, seeks views from interested, including those who
live and work in the area, on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County
Authority (MCCA) for the local government areas in Hampshire County Council,
Portsmouth City Council, Isle of Wight Council and Southampton City Council.

 

As a non-constituent body,
Fareham Borough Council does not have a direct role in the creation of the
MCCA, but nonetheless recognises the significant potential that the devolution
arrangements could have for the borough.

 

Consequently, it is appropriate
for the Council to submit a consultation response to the Government in order to
shape the development of the MCCA with a view to achieving the best outcomes
for Fareham and the County as a whole.

 

The draft response is attached as
Appendix A to the report and reflects the Council’s position that devolution is
broadly and widely supported.  There are,
however, aspects of the proposals where the Council believes that Governance
and local representation could be strengthened, and this is reflected in the
draft response.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive
agrees

 

(a)  the
draft response, as attached at Appendix A to the report; and

 

(b)  to
delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer, following consultation with
the Executive Leader, to make any amendments required prior to submission by
the close of the consultation period.