Portsmouth MPs welcome devolution funding amid election postponement row
Funding for Hampshire and the Solent has been announced for the proposed devolved mayoral authority, following the government’s decision to postpone local elections.
Under the government’s devolution agenda, the new authority, covering Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, would gain greater powers over housing, transport, and economic growth.
In parallel, the government is considering proposals for local government reorganisation, aimed at creating larger unitary authorities serving populations of around 500,000.
Under the proposals, Hampshire and the Solent, including Portsmouth, would receive £44.6m annually once a mayor is in post.
Other regions set to benefit include Cheshire and Warrington (£21.7m), Cumbria (£11.1m), Greater Essex (£41.5m), Norfolk and Suffolk (£37.4m), and Sussex and Brighton (£38m).
Each area will also receive at least £3m over the next three financial years to help establish new mayoral authorities, alongside an initial £1m payment due in the coming months.
Portsmouth MPs Stephen Morgan and Amanda Martin welcomed the announcement, calling it a significant opportunity for Portsmouth and surrounding communities.
“More homes, better high streets and support for small and medium businesses are all on the way for our city as a multi-billion-pound long-term funding package is announced by this Labour Government today.
“That means £44.6m per year for Hampshire and the Solent area, including here in Portsmouth, to boost our economy to create much-needed lasting jobs and opportunities”.
Ministers are also considering delaying inaugural mayoral elections to May 2028 to allow councils more time to complete reorganisation.
On the proposed timetable, the MPs said:“In order to make sure strong foundations are in place ahead of devolution, Ministers have today confirmed they are considering holding inaugural mayoral elections in these areas in May 2028, with areas completing the reorganisation process before Mayors take office.
“This would ensure that new mayors come into office with effective and empowered local government already in place, helping them hit the ground running from day one.
“This allows more time to rightly make sure Portsmouth’s interests are at the heart of future decisions. We will continue to work with the council and with Ministers to make this happen”.
The postponement has sparked outrage among the mayoral candidates, including Donna Jones, the region’s current Police and Crime Commissioner, who called the decision an “insult to democracy.”
She said her greatest concern is the loss of potential funding opportunities for the region.