Published: August 6, 2026
Following recent announcements and national discussion around greater fiscal devolution for Combined Authorities and mayors, Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council and Chair of the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority board, said:
“I warmly welcome today’s announcement on greater fiscal devolution to Combined Authorities and mayors.
“For too long, local and regional leaders have been expected to deliver growth while remaining dependent upon short-term grants, competitive bidding processes and decisions made in Whitehall.
“Giving mayoral authorities a direct share of the revenues generated by their own economies will strengthen local accountability and provide a more sustainable financial foundation for long-term investment. It will allow decisions about transport, skills, housing and economic growth to be shaped by local knowledge, local priorities and a clear democratic mandate.
“Here in Hampshire and the Solent, we understand our communities, our businesses and the opportunities and challenges facing our economy. Greater fiscal freedom will allow us to invest more effectively in the infrastructure and skills our area needs, while ensuring residents can hold locally elected leaders directly accountable for the choices they make.
“This announcement also adds considerable weight to the argument for bringing forward the Hampshire and the Solent mayoral election from 2028 to 2027.
“If these substantial new responsibilities and funding streams are beginning to come into effect from next year, our area should have a directly elected mayor with a fresh democratic mandate at the earliest opportunity.
“I made that case directly to Louise Haigh MP and Angela Rayner MP during our call this morning. Hampshire and the Solent should not be left waiting an additional year to benefit fully from these important reforms.”