Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced (February 5) that several UK authorities will adapt to 'devolution'.
But between lines of technical jargon and political sentiment, the question remains: what is devolution, what does it mean for the region and why have May’s county elections been postponed?
After eight attempts, devolution is now set to happen and here is all you need to know about it.
What is devolution?
Devolution involves transferring powers from Westminster to Hampshire and the Solent region, alongside additional funding and investment.
This shift will enable local authorities 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 plans to consult with Hampshire residents very soon to gather people’s input and feedback on the prospect of devolution for the area.
What is the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP)?
Better known as the ‘fast track’ programme, it is the government’s tool to expedite devolution in the country, widen devolution and transform areas into mayor-led strategic authorities being in place in May 2026.
Hampshire and the Solent fast-tracked
With the government’s announcement, six areas have been given the green light to the priority programme.
Among them is the Isle of Wight Council.
As part of devolution, a mayor would be elected in the spring of 2026 to head up a new combined authority across the wider Hampshire region.
The mayor would work with local council leaders to decide how to allocate regional funding.
The combined authority aims to enable a group of two or more councils to collaborate and take collective decisions across council boundaries.
They cover issues that require strategic oversight of the entire region and have responsibilities, and funding, to deliver economic development, strategic planning and transport, adult education, local growth plans and other functions.
In mayoral strategic authorities, mayors will have significant powers over housing and planning, including the ability to develop and propose the spatial development strategy for their areas, working alongside other members of the strategic authority.
Postponement of May’s election
Since the region has been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, the government has also determined that the county council’s elections, originally scheduled for May this year, should be postponed for one year due to plans for the reorganisation of local government in England, and allow for a Mayor to be elected in 2026.
Phil Jordan, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, in line with his partners, said devolution “would shift more of these policy-making powers and additional funding to local authorities such as the Isle of Wight Council”.
“This change is expected to provide greater local control over vital areas such as major transport infrastructure, and health services, giving residents more power to shape the things that are important to them and ensuring robust local accountability,” he added.
For Devolution Priority Programme areas, regions have to submit their proposals by September 2025, with mayoral elections in 2026 and shadow unitary elections in 2027.
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