Published: March 28, 2026
Introduction
Welcome to the March Hampshire and the Solent devolution update, keeping you informed about progress towards establishing the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA).
In the February edition, we reported that the legislation to create the HSCCA would be laid in Parliament. We are now pleased to confirm that this step has been completed. The parliamentary process for the Statutory Instrument (SI) is now underway. This will formally establish the HSCCA and set out its initial responsibilities, as well as the framework for how decisions will be made. Once passed, this legislation will transfer powers from central government to the HSCCA. However, local councils will retain responsibility for the day-to-day management of services within their local areas.
In this edition, we also share the latest news about the HSCCA’s responsibilities for Skills and Employment, with a focus on the Adult Skills Fund and the Get Britain Working Plan.
Adult Skills Fund update
The devolution of Adult Skills Funding (ASF) continues to be a key priority, in line with the wider Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) programme objectives. Government has reaffirmed that the timeline for ASF devolution remains unchanged. This means that the new Combined Authority will assume responsibility for the devolved funding and its delivery from the 2027 academic year.
Initial work is already underway to carefully manage the transition, with the aim of maintaining stability for the provider market wherever possible. However, it is important to acknowledge the potential challenges ahead, particularly as we recognise that many colleges are already operating under financial pressure. From conversations with other Combined Authorities, we know that some regions have experienced reductions in their ASF funding allocation following devolution. It is therefore important to be clear that we do not yet know the impact these changes may have locally on skills provision, and we await further information from government. We are committed to being open about these uncertainties and will continue to listen to stakeholders’ views as more detail becomes available.
Looking ahead, a consultation on ASF will take place around May or June 2026. This will provide an important opportunity for stakeholders to share their perspectives about the future of Adult Skills Funding.
Using Data to Shape Skills Planning
As the HSCCA prepares for new skills responsibilities, access to clear data is essential. To support this work, HSCCA will be using the Department for Education’s (DfE) data cube, a single, interactive tool that brings together key information on learner participation, achievement rates, and funding allocations.
By analysing the last three academic years of data from the Department for Education, we will be able to understand how funding has been used across the region and to identify where investment can have the most impact. This evidence will help shape decisions for the 2027/28 Adult Skills Funding allocation and inform the development of the Consolidated Adult Skills Fund Strategic Skills Plan.
The data was shared with us earlier this year and a group of specialists from the upper tier councils (Hampshire County Council, Southampton and Portsmouth City Councils and the Isle of Wight Council) have already begun shaping the key questions the data should help answer, ensuring it becomes a practical resource for planning the future of skills provision.
A Shared Path to Better Employment Outcomes
The Get Britain Working (GBW) plans for Hampshire and the Solent are focused on increasing employment rates and reducing economic inactivity by implementing integrated local strategies. The overarching approach is to further collaboration between Hampshire and the Solent, which already work closely together, as demonstrated by their joint consultations with bodies such as the Integrated Care Board (ICB). The HSCCA will play a central role in managing and coordinating the future direction of these plans.
Initially, two separate employment plans were developed—Get Hampshire Working and Get Solent Working—each published in 2025. However, there is now a proposal to merge these into a single, unified strategy under the governance of the HSCCA after it has been established. This will streamline programme delivery, make governance more efficient, and ensure that the whole region benefits from shared resources and expertise. The HSCCA will oversee the process, coordinate partnership arrangements and ensure that actions taken are strategically aligned with regional employment priorities.
The new Get Hampshire and the Solent Working Plan is planned for publication in 2027 and will reflect the progress of the previous plans and emerging priorities of the strategic authority for the region. This consolidated plan would extend through to 2035, reflecting refreshed data and updated objectives. Throughout this process, the HSCCA will be responsible for ensuring clear ownership of actions, keeping stakeholders engaged, and managing potential risks.
Stakeholder engagement
We will maintain active engagement with stakeholders throughout 2026 and into 2027 as plans develop for the Consolidated Adult Skills Fund (CASF) and the Get Britain Working (GBW) Programme. Stakeholders will be invited to participate in the forthcoming CASF consultation, anticipated for May or June 2026, where their feedback will play a crucial role in informing priorities for future skills funding arrangements.
Regarding the GBW programme, engagement will continue as Hampshire and Solent progress towards integrating their employment strategies, with further stakeholder input sought during the formulation of the unified plan. More details will follow nearer the time.
Other Devolution Programme Updates
Recruitment
We are currently progressing a significant phase of recruitment to support the establishment of the HSCCA. This includes drafting a series of new job descriptions, which will be finalised and approved before recruitment begins over the coming months. As part of this programme, the Section 73 (Chief Finance Officer) role and the Director of Legal and Governance role are being externally commissioned through specialist recruitment partners, ensuring we attract high‑calibre candidates with the required expertise for these statutory senior leadership positions. Our aim is to have both posts successfully filled by May/June with a start date of around August/September, aligning with the wider timelines for developing the Authority’s core functions.
Governance
The Local Assurance Framework (LAF) will explain how the HSCCA will make decisions, manage its funding and remain accountable as it takes on new devolved powers.
It will set out clear arrangements to ensure that:
- decisions are transparent, fair and evidence‑based
- public money is used responsibly and delivers value for money
- there are strong checks and balances in place
- stakeholders can understand who makes decisions and how
The LAF is a key requirement of government and will be reviewed regularly as the HSCCA develops. Until a Mayor is elected in 2028, the HSCCA is led by a Board made up of council leaders and other representatives.
HSCCA Board
The HSCCA Board will be the main decision-making body. It will:
- set the overall direction and priorities
- agree strategies and budgets
- make major investment decisions
- ensure the HSCCA delivers benefits for the whole region
The Board will be supported by a small number of committees and advisory boards, which bring in expertise and local insight and support its statutory duties.
Transport Joint Committee
This will be a decision‑making committee focused on transport for the region. It will support joint working between the HSCCA and local transport authorities during the transition of transport powers. It will have oversight of strategic transport planning and help coordinate regional transport investment.
Member Advisory Boards
Advisory board will be made up of elected members from councils across the region. They provide advice and recommendations to the HSCCA Board in key areas;
- economic development and regeneration
- skills and employment support
- Planning
Business Advisory Board
This will be a business led board representing key business sectors, enterprises and clusters across Hampshire and the Solent. It will:
- provide advice to the HSCCA Board, representing the voice of business
- inform decisions, priorities and policy development related to the region’s business base and its economic growth
- share business intelligence to inform HSCCA activity
- provide a forum for debate, highlighting issues affecting the business community that the HSCCA may need to address
- comment on other aspects of relevant emerging HSCCA policy as part of the development process
The Chair also attends HSCCA Board meetings to ensure the business voice is heard.
Investment Board
This is an officer‑led group that supports funding and investment decisions. It will assess proposals and provide assurance that investments align with agreed priorities and that public funds are managed properly.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
This is an independent committee that holds the HSCCA to account. It will review decisions, scrutinise performance and budgets and ensure decisions are made in the best interests of residents and stakeholders.
Governance and Audit Committee
An independent committee providing oversight of:
- governance arrangements
- financial management
- risk and internal controls
It helps maintain high standards, transparency and public confidence.