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.
• Currently, this will be delivered through a MCCA made by secondary legislation until new Strategic Authority legislation is passed.
• The MCCA 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 due to be elected on 7th May 2026.

Transition in Membership

• 2026–2028: Membership will include Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight.
• From 2028: When the County, districts, and existing unitaries are abolished, the new unitary councils (4 or 5) will become the members representing the Hampshire area.
• This ensures the Mayor is always working with the councils responsible for day-to-day services.