Published: February 21, 2026
Introduction
Welcome to the latest Hampshire and the Solent devolution update, keeping you informed about the progress towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority for our region.
There has been a longer than usual break since our last communication to stakeholders, before Christmas. This followed the government’s announcement that they were minded to postpone Mayoral elections in Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) regions from May 2026 to May 2028, so that incoming Mayors would come into office in their region when Local Government Reorganisation had come into effect.
Government issued two statements in December setting out their position in relation to the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP). The first was the funding announcement and the second was a Written Ministerial Statement setting out the changes to the Mayoral election process. These announcements made changes to the original Devolution Priority Programme but still underlined the Government’s ongoing commitment to devolution across all DPP regions.
Since then, there has been extensive engagement with government to understand their intentions and the implications of this decision on our programme here in Hampshire and the Solent. Some of the main headlines from this are set out below:
- Mayoral elections have been confirmed as taking place in May 2028 instead of May 2026, so we can now plan to this timeline.
- We expect to create the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) in 2026, albeit on a slightly different timeline to the one we originally had.
- Government have confirmed that the overall value of our Investment Fund for the region remains the same £1.3bn. The annual amount paid before a Mayor is elected will be £17.84 million, 40% of the full £44.6m p.a. but this will be rebalanced in the years following the Mayoral election. There is also additional capacity funding, increased from £4m to £9m, to support the Combined Authority as it takes on its new functions in its early years.
- The HSCCA will have access to a Strategic Place Partnership with Homes England, something that is only usually available to Combined Authorities after a Mayor has been elected.
- There will be two years of concurrent Local Transport Authority Powers for the Upper Tier Local Authorities and the Combined Authority. This has increased from one year and is helpful in terms of transition planning.
- The transfer timings of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) have been reviewed in light of the changes; with confirmation that the OPCC is expected to transfer when the Mayor is elected in 2028.
With a new Statutory Instrument (SI) drafted and the changes to the timeline and original proposition for devolution, all four of the Upper Tier Councils have taken decision reports to obtain new approvals to formally commit to the creation of the HSCCA. These meetings took place at the end of February and early March, and all four Upper Tier Councils have now approved the creation of the HSCCA.
These decisions demonstrate the strong will on the part of the Leaders and their Councils, and from central government, to get a devolution deal for Hampshire and the Solent confirmed quickly, to maximise the opportunities the investment funding and devolved powers will unlock for our region and residents. We now expect government to lay the relevant legislation in parliament in the coming weeks.
As a reminder, the Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) will be led by a Board of Leaders from the four constituent councils (Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils and Isle of Wight Council). In May 2028, the inaugural election will be held for a Mayor who will then lead the HSCCA Board. The Board will also comprise up to five other members from different organisations, and these will mostly be determined once the organisation has been legally established. The HSCCA will work for the interests of the region and its residents and will bring together stakeholders and partners across multiple sectors, including business, higher, further, and adult education, transport, health and more. We will include more detail on the governance of the HSCCA and on routes to stakeholder engagement in future communications.
Policy update
This edition also highlights the Hampshire and the Solent Mayoral Combined County Authority’s (HSCCA) new powers and responsibilities relating to Housing and Strategic Planning, and how these will enable the HSCCA to benefit housing and development in the region.
How the HSCCA will support Housing and Strategic Planning in the region
By coordinating efforts at a regional level, the HSCCA will be given new powers to support the alignment of new housing and other developments with essential services such as transport, schools, and healthcare facilities. This integrated approach will help create and connect more resilient communities where people can more easily access the services they need.
Furthermore, the HSCCA will be able to address local economic, social, and environmental benefits by taking a broader geographical view of housing needs and development opportunities. This means the region can plan for a diverse range of affordable housing types, ensuring that different needs are met more effectively. The HSCCA’s statutory functions give it the authority to make decisions that reflect the unique challenges and opportunities within Hampshire and the Solent, bringing together all local authorities and national parks, under a unified regional vision.
Ultimately, the HSCCA’s strategic oversight will support the delivery of sustainable, inclusive development and improve the overall quality of life for people across the region.
The HSCCA will have the following responsibilities for Housing and Strategic Planning
- HSCCA will have oversight of strategic planning for Hampshire and the Solent region supporting the enabling and development of housing. This will include shaping where new homes and infrastructure are planned across the area.
- By making plan-making decisions at a regional level, the HSCCA will help to ensure that housing developments foster well-connected and resilient communities.
- The HSCCA will use legal powers to take a broader, strategic view of the region’s needs through the Spatial Development Strategy.
- Economic, social, and environmental factors will be considered in planning, aiming to provide a range of affordable housing options to meet diverse needs.
Challenges for Housing and Strategic Planning in Hampshire and the Solent – and how the HSCCA could help
Hampshire and the Solent faces several challenges when it comes to housing and strategic planning. One of the main issues is the high demand for affordable homes, which often exceeds supply, making it difficult for many people to access suitable housing. Additionally, the region needs to balance the requirements for new development with the preservation of green spaces and the protection of the environment, ensuring growth does not come at the expense of biodiversity.
Another important challenge is ensuring that sufficient new homes are built in the region to meet identified needs, and that these are in locations with good access to public transport, schools, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The region also faces the task of meeting the needs of a diverse population, from young professionals and families to older residents, each requiring different types of housing and support.
The HSCCA is well placed to address these complex challenges. By coordinating strategic planning across all local authorities and national parks in the region, the HSCCA can help ensure that housing developments are integrated with wider infrastructure and service provision. This joined-up approach means that new homes will be built where they are needed most and in ways that support sustainable and inclusive communities. The HSCCA could also use its statutory powers to attract investment, set clear regional priorities, and champion innovative housing solutions that reflect the unique needs of Hampshire and the Solent.
In entering into a Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) with Homes England we will be able to develop a long-term place-based framework to deliver housing and regeneration at scale, aligned to our region’s spatial, economic, and inclusive growth priorities. Homes England’s support through this partnership, which includes capital investment, infrastructure funding and development expertise to de-risk sites, is particularly valuable for tackling viability challenges where upfront costs can otherwise stall housing delivery.
The journey so far
To meet government expectations and prepare for the creation of the HSCCA, officers of Local Planning Authorities and National Park Authorities across the region have made significant strides in collating details and evidence of the opportunities and constraints within the region to support the drafting of a Spatial Development Strategy.
Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Act received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025. The Act introduces the requirement for Combined Authorities to produce strategic regional plans, the Spatial Development Strategy, and aims to streamline planning and accelerate delivery of homes and critical infrastructure. We will incorporate any relevant commencement details and guidance into our Housing and Strategic Planning materials as they are issued.
Other updates from the devolution programme
Statutory Officer appointments
To keep up momentum and drive forward with the negotiation of our devolution ambitions we have appointed an Interim Chief Executive to work with us. Dr Ruth Adams will be leading the HSCCA team on a part time basis, alongside her continuing work with South-East Employers, the Regional Employers Organisation for the South East of England.
Ruth has a background in Combined Authorities and devolution, having been the Deputy Chief Executive of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. She worked to set up the Combined Authority that was an integral part of its evolution into a Mayoral Authority responsible for Adult Skills Funding, Transport and other devolved policies and programmes.
Ruth said “I am delighted to be joining this dedicated team. I look forward to working together with Leaders and Chief Executives to progress the Devolution Priority Programme negotiations and to the formation of the Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority. Collectively we will drive positive change that will make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.”
The Chief Finance Officer (known as the Section 73 officer) and Monitoring Officer (governance) roles were on hold for a period but will be readvertised in the coming weeks.
Adult Skills update
In line with the overarching programme update above, devolution of Adult Skills Funding (ASF) remains a priority. Government have been clear with us that the timeline already circulated for ASF devolution, to ensure a new Combined Authority can take on devolved funding and the delivery responsibility that accompanies it from the 2027 academic year, is unchanged and that all DPP regions should continue to work to the milestones and delivery dates already set out to us. We are reiterating this message as one of reassurance to our stakeholders.
Transport
Government has proposed extending the period of concurrent transport powers with the four Upper Tier Local Authorities from one year to two. This provides a more realistic transition window as responsibilities move into the new Combined Authority and supports a smoother, phased approach to establishing the future transport function.
Government has also confirmed a shift to a consolidated, multiyear transport funding model for Mayoral areas. Ahead of Mayoral election, the area will receive two funding pots, the Integrated Transport Fund and the Bus Services Fund, which will later combine into a single Mayoral Transport Fund. This brings together several existing grants into a more flexible, long-term settlement, giving the Combined Authority, and ultimately the future Mayor greater ability to prioritise investment across the network in line with local and regional priorities.
In parallel, the Department for Transport has set out new requirements for Local Transport Delivery Plans for 2026/27. Each Upper Tier Local Authority is progressing its work, and we are coordinating a shared approach to ensure alignment across the area.
Economic development and regeneration
The economic development and regeneration project team within the devolution programme took the opportunity afforded by the government announcement to extend the window in which stakeholders with a key role in local economic development could contribute evidence, insights, and views to inform the evidence base for a future Local Growth Plan for the region. The deadline for these submissions has now passed and we thank all participating organisations for their contributions.
Local Assurance Framework
The Local Assurance Framework (LAF) is a core document for HSCCA. It will set out how Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) will be transparent, accountable, and effective in its use of devolved powers and funding across the region. It will be adopted at the inaugural HSCCA Board meeting.
The development of the LAF has been a collaborative effort across the portfolio, and we are working to ensure that it meets central government requirements. This critical framework needs to be signed off by MHCLG for investment funding to be released.