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Solent Devolution

Solent Devolution arose after the original idea for a Southern Powerhouse faded, following a division between North and South Hampshire.

Now made up of the Isle of Wight, Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council, the Solent Devolution vision is to bring the areas together in a hope to benefit from the ability to collect 100% business rates, in place of the regional settlement grants that are being withdrawn by central government.

After the Conservative councillors took control of the Isle of Wight council in January 2017, the Devolution deal was scrapped as the Conservatives said they “wanted nothing to do with Portsmouth and Southampton”.

george osborne

6, October 2015·1 min read

Southern Powerhouse reacts to Chancellor’s ‘Biz tax to stay local’ speech

One of the central tenets for 15 councils around the South forming the 'Southern Powerhouse' was so they could keep business tax local to the region. Yesterday George Osborne said it would happen nation-wide.

County Hall:

16, March 2016·2 min read

Solent Devolution: Delay could have impact on financial deal says IWC leader

The Isle of Wight council leader urges the Government to make the devolution announcement as soon as possible to avoid any financial opportunities being lost.

county hall chamber

19, October 2016·1 min read

Live coverage of the October 2016 full council meeting: Inc Solent combined authority

Follow the discussions at tonight's full council meeting from the comfort of your office or sofa.

wedding cake

29, February 2016·2 min read

Devolution of Hampshire and Isle of Wight as a whole, now under threat (Updated)

Hampshire and Isle of Wight councils came together and said 'Yes' prior to the Devolution Bill. After meetings at Westminster on Friday, it appears there might be a North/South split. The repercussions could be significant.

greg clark mp

18, November 2015·1 min read

Southern Powerhouse bid receives boost from minister

Those involved with the bid for Southern Powerhouse devolution believe the meeting hosted by the minister brings increased confidence to the bid.

andrew turner westminster hall

7, September 2016·4 min read

MP raises concerns about Solent Devolution in Westminster

The Isle of Wight MP says the needs of Southampton, Portsmouth and the Island are disparate and he fears the views of the Isle of Wight council would be overruled leading to the Island losing out.

Board table and chairs

27, February 2018·3 min read

Plans for a Southern Powerhouse could be back on the table

The leader of Hampshire County Council has written to 11 district council leaders to “Re-engage and return to the original prospectus for a Combined Authority for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, together with the two LEPs and two National Parks".

Spectacles

21, October 2016·2 min read

Solent Devolution: Clarifying what was voted down – and how it could be overruled (updated)

It struck me there was confusion about what the Solent Devolution vote was actually about this week – in and out of the Chamber. There’s also a chance that it might be overruled next week.

halt sign

15, March 2016·2 min read

Solent Devolution: Chancellor’s announcement on deal to be postponed

It looks as though the imminent announcement on a Solent Devolution deal has been postponed until later in the year. Details of when a mayor for the 'Solent Devolved' area would be elected have been revealed though.

Peter Henley on the news

26, January 2017·4 min read

Solent Deal dead after Conservatives ‘want nothing to do with Portsmouth and Southampton’ (Updated)

A week after the Isle of Wight Conservatives took power at the council, the Solent Devolution deal has been killed off. Here's what we know so far, as the story develops.

solent region google maps

25, October 2016·4 min read

Letter: Why we’re concerned about a possible Solent Devolution Deal

Conservative Isle of Wight councillor, Stuart Hutchinson, sets out why he (and colleagues) are concerned about the possible devolution deal with Southampton and Portsmouth.

devolution map

4, September 2015·3 min read

Southern Powerhouse devolution plans for Hampshire and Isle of Wight revealed

Plans for the creation of a Southern Powerhouse have now been submitted to Government. OnTheWight has the prospectus

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