We are on the brink of a transformative journey for Hampshire and the vehicle driving us forward is devolution.

Our goal is a Hampshire where decisions, big and small, are made close to the people they affect; where less bureaucracy means quicker, simpler processes; and where councils can deliver even better value for money to residents and businesses.

I believe devolution would be a beneficial move for Hampshire. Devolution means moving powers, and the money to enact them, from Central Government to local a more local level.

These powers would be devolved to a Combined Authority, in our case covering Hampshire and the Solent (including Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight), overseen by an elected mayor. The new government wants us to be one of their priority areas, targeting implementation by May 2026.

While I welcome devolution I have strong concerns about Local Government Reorganisation, which the Labour Government is closely linking to the devolution process.

Bedford Road EHDC
The EHDC offices on Bedford Road in Petersfield. What will happen to the council and the premises if “devolution” plans are pushed through? (Tindle/Pauli Ferguson)

This journey is one the Labour Government is requiring Hampshire to take. There is no alternative, and I liken it to travelling in a vehicle where the Government controls the accelerator and brakes, better therefore that we have control of the steering wheel rather than leave the route and destination to chance.

Hampshire County Council must have a strong voice in these discussions to represent residents’ interests. A Full Council meeting is scheduled for January 9 to decide the best course of action, with Cabinet ratification the following day.

If we follow the Government’s preferred ‘priority’ route, they will decide by late January whether to postpone the 2025 County Council elections

It would be necessary to postpone as the government needs to conduct a full consultation on their devolution proposals, aiming to complete this and conclude negotiations by summer.

The uncertainty of local elections, and the inability to complete a consultation during the pre-election period, would disrupt the process. Therefore, the government expects those on their Priority Programme to request election postponements.

As this situation evolves, I am clear the focus must be on ensuring reforms deliver benefits such as cost reductions for residents, service protection and simplification, and safeguarding frontline staff.

Hampshire’s councils employ thousands of staff and contract with numerous partners and businesses, all of whom rely on them for their livelihoods. More importantly, tens of thousands of people depend on their local council for support and assistance.

These individuals must be at the forefront of decision-making, ensuring any reforms improve the services and support they currently receive.

While devolution presents a promising path forward for Hampshire, it’s essential to navigate the associated local government reforms carefully, ensuring they truly benefit the residents and communities they aim to serve.

I remain positive and hopeful as we enter this New Year, the path ahead is difficult and full of challenge.

Working alongside my colleagues of all political colours I am sure we will, together, find the best way forward, one that will result in a positive improvement for all of us in our wonderful county.