The idea of a ‘Southern Powerhouse’, whereby the Isle of Wight council joins forces with Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton for funding, has returned, after Hampshire County Council confirmed the intention of Government to progress a single County Deal for the area.
The Isle of Wight council, along with the Leaders of Hampshire County Council, and Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils, are now set to participate in negotiations for a proposed Pan-Hampshire Deal.
Hampshire leader expresses ambitions for deal
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Rob Humby (Con), articulated the council’s ambition.
In his words, the council aims to secure the “most ambitious deal possible” for the wider Hampshire area, working alongside their neighbouring Unitary Authorities, ie. Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.
His optimism is centred around the potential for an additional £1.14bn of investment for a combined population of two million residents.
This extra funding, he suggests, is now more likely due to the Government’s recognition of the region’s importance.
The vision of pan-Hampshire as a Southern Powerhouse
Humby also emphasised the vision of Pan-Hampshire as a “genuine southern powerhouse.”
This powerhouse brings together towns, cities, people, and businesses in a nationally and internationally significant economic area.
The Pan-Hampshire County Deal, as Humby envisions it, would make a substantial contribution to Hampshire’s economic prosperity.
Stimulating economic recovery, regeneration, and business growth
The plan would stimulate economic recovery, regeneration, and business growth across the Pan-Hampshire area and the wider region.
And this wouldn’t just be a temporary fix — it’s a plan designed to last now and for the future.
Looking towards the future: Benefits and prosperity
Through the County Deal, new powers for Pan-Hampshire are on the horizon. Also anticipated is an additional £1.14bn investment by the Government over the next 30 years.
This deal would draw more decision-making powers to the people and places of Pan-Hampshire.
Empowering local areas
The plan is to empower local areas, enabling them to decide how to keep their area prosperous and thriving in the future.
According to Councillor Humby, this is “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to bring far-reaching benefits for residents, communities, and businesses — with the potential to improve people’s lives for decades to come.
An appeal to partners
The councillor expressed eagerness for the next stages of discussion.
He urged partners to actively support and engage with the potential benefits to all residents of a Pan-Hampshire approach.
In his words, it is imperative not to squander this opportunity to lay the strongest foundations for economic prosperity possible for their residents, both now and far into the future.
What’s included
The Pan-Hampshire area includes Hampshire County Council, Southampton and Portsmouth City Councils, the 11 district and borough councils within the County Council administrative area and the Isle of Wight Council.
News OnTheWight has contacted the council for a comment and will update once we hear back.
Image: jonathan borba under CC BY 2.0
