Powers

The Mayor of Hampshire & the Solent will take on strategic responsibilities that affect the whole region. These powers will be established through national legislation based on the English Devolution White Paper, rather than local deals. Initially delivered through a MCCA .

Key Areas of Responsibility

Transport

• Planning the transport network, including the option to run bus services through franchising.
• Overseeing key routes and major transport infrastructure.
• Supporting integrated ticketing across buses, trains, and ferries.

Skills & Employment

• Managing the Adult Education Budget.
• Influencing local training and skills plans.
• Helping coordinate employment support.

Housing & Regeneration

• Leading strategic planning for new homes and places.
• Managing funding for brownfield and regeneration projects.
• Potential to create Mayoral Development Corporations (special bodies for regeneration), with council approval.

Environment & Net Zero

• Developing energy strategies for the whole area.
• Coordinating programmes to make homes and businesses more energy efficient.

Investment & Finance

• Receiving multi-year funding to support long-term programmes.
• Power to raise a limited mayoral precept (a small council tax addition), with safeguards in place.

What this means for Hampshire & the Solent

The exact powers will be confirmed in legislation. Initially, the Mayor will work through a MCCA with the powers outlined above. Once new Strategic Authority legislation is passed, the authority will be established as a Mayoral Strategic Authority with full powers. Those meeting eligibility criteria may later be designated as Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities, unlocking further devolution including Integrated Settlements.