The leaders of Portsmouth and Southampton council met yesterday (Wednesday) to discuss the idea of combining their authorities under what’s being dubbed The Solent Authority Plan.
An article published this morning the BBC reveals the proposed new authority could also encompass the Isle of Wight.
Unofficial sources
Details are few and far between at the moment, but it’s been suggested by an unofficial source to OnTheWight that Portsmouth and Southampton would actually remain as separate local government authorities and Hampshire county council could be cut in half, with Southern Hampshire joining the new authority.
Leader of the Isle of Wight council, Ian Stephens, told OnTheWight he had not yet been contacted to discuss the proposal.
The plans are hoped to be in place before the general election in May 2015 and implemented by 2016-17. Apparently the idea is linked to the devolution debate.
Support for the new combined authority
A statement from leaders of Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils, Donna Jones and Simon Letts said in a joint statement,
“Southampton and Portsmouth City Councils are very supportive of the opportunity that a Combined Authority offers the economic development and prosperity of the Solent area.
“We will engage in a dialogue with our neighbouring councils, the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, the local MPs and central government to establish the scope of what can be achieved.”
A fairly complex idea
Donna Jones, Leader of Portsmouth City Council went on to say,
“When we talk about a combined authority I think it’s important to explain the facts behind what is a fairly complex idea.
“This is not about merging cities, it is about neighbouring areas working closely together to get the best for the region.
“Transport, business and regeneration are the areas which would benefit, this would not affect local issues.
“We already have collaborative arrangements, such as the Solent LEP. This would be strengthened through a combined authority as we’d have more power from government to make our own decisions for the region.
“Each borough and county would still be responsible for their own area, but we’d be able to work better on wider strategic plans.
“It’s important that people are reassured this doesn’t mean we’d have a say over what happens in other towns and cities, and likewise Portsmouth will still remain completely independent.”
This is separate to the idea of Hampshire council taking control of the Isle of Wight being mooted on the Sunday Politics Show.
Article edits 13.20:
Additional quote from Donna Jones added. Update from Ian Stephens added.
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