Strategic Authority Framework

The Government’s 2024 White Paper introduced the idea of Strategic Authorities – the most powerful form of devolved governance outside London. This is the framework that new legislation will create.

Key Features

• Population threshold: At least 750,000 people.
• Directly elected Mayor: Provides visible and accountable leadership.
• Maximum powers: Strategic Authorities can access the widest range of devolved powers, including:
  • Transport and infrastructure
  • Skills and employment programmes
  • Housing and planning at a regional scale
  • Potential future powers in areas like policing or health integration

How Hampshire Fits

• Hampshire and the Solent (Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, Isle of Wight) is proposed as a Strategic Authority area.
• Initially, this will be delivered through a CCA made by secondary legislation. When the Mayor is elected, it becomes an MCCA .
• The authority would be created at the Mayoral tier of the Devolution Framework and could progress to Established Mayoral status in future (unlocking further powers/funding).
• The first Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent is now due to be elected on 4th May 2028 (delayed from May 2026).

Transition in Membership

• 2026–2028: The CCA (without a Mayor) will include Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight.
• From April 2028: The Mayor is elected (4th May), the CCA becomes an MCCA , and the new unitary councils (4 or 5) replace existing members.
• This ensures the Mayor works with the councils responsible for day-to-day services from day one.