One of the largest allocations ever received by the area.

Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority set to deliver transformative changes across the region

The Hampshire and the Solent region has secured a major investment fund of £1.3 billion—making it one of the largest allocations ever received by the area.

This significant funding will support the new Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA), which will focus on boosting economic growth, encouraging innovation among local businesses, and creating more opportunities for communities when the Authority is created later this year.

To support the establishment of the HSCCA it will receive 40% of its investment fund each year, together with additional funding to support the HSCCA’s internal capability, for the financial years 2026/27 and 2027/28. This approach will support the organisation to set up and take on its new responsibilities.

The full investment fund will then be released when a Mayor is elected in 2028, ensuring that the HSCCA is fully resourced to deliver transformative changes across the region.

From early summer 2026 (exact date to be confirmed), the HSCCA will have new devolved powers. This means it will be able to direct investment and deliver improvements across the region. Its main areas of responsibility will include:

• Transport: Responsibility for developing and implementing integrated transport strategies that improve connectivity across the region.
• Skills and Employment Support: Authority over adult skills funding, driving upskilling opportunities, and supporting pathways into high-quality employment.
• Housing and Strategic Planning: The power to prioritise and deliver new housing developments and support the provision of affordable homes.
• Economic Regeneration and Development: The ability to attract and retain national and international investment ensuring the region capitalises on its economic strengths.
• Environment and Climate Change: Implement initiatives for the region to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainability, and protect natural habitats.
• Health and Wellbeing: Work closely with local partners to reduce health inequalities and support healthier communities.
• Public Safety: Working with Police and Crime Commissioner and the Fire and Rescue Authority, enhance safety by supporting collaborative approaches to emergency planning, community resilience, and crime prevention.
• With these devolved powers, the HSCCA will be able to lead locally driven projects, create new opportunities for economic development, and enhance infrastructure. Leaders from Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton councils will work together, alongside other board members on priorities that reflect the needs of local communities.

On 16 March 2026 a statutory instrument (SI) was presented to Parliament, which will legally set up the HSCCA and define its initial responsibilities and how decisions will be made. An Interim Chief Executive, Dr Ruth Adams, has been appointed, with temporary staff to fill key roles including Chief Financial Officer and Monitoring Officer to ensure legal operations. The recruitment of permanent staff has stared.

This legislation will transfer significant powers from central government to the HSCCA, giving it controls over major local matters including transport, housing, regeneration, public safety, adult skills training, health and wellbeing and the environment. Local councils will still be responsible for day-to-day service decisions in their communities.

Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council are now working together to finalise the operational framework for the HSCCA, including drafting its constitution.

The HSCCA is expected to be legally established in summer 2026, with the first Mayor elected for a four-year term in May 2028.

The new HSCCA website is now live and can be viewed here HSCCA Website.

It will become the main source of information about the HSCCA once it is formally established in spring 2026. The website provides clear explanations of HSCCA’s powers, benefits for local communities and regular updates on progress, helping residents understand what the Combined Authority and the future Mayor could deliver for the region.

Isle of Wight Council Leader, Councillor Phil Jordan, said:

"This strategic investment gives the Isle of Wight a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to shape its own destiny. For the first time, we will have the resources and the influence to drive the changes our Island has long deserved — better connections, new skills, good homes, and opportunities that keep our young people here. Through the new Combined County Authority, we can unlock the Island’s creativity, resilience, and community spirit like never before. This is more than funding; it is confidence in our future. Together, we can, and will, build an Isle of Wight that is thriving, hopeful and leading its own story with pride."

Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said:

“This important legislation now before Parliament will enable our region to shape its own economic priorities, giving us the powers and tools needed to drive growth and improve outcomes for local people. It presents a huge opportunity for local leaders, businesses, and communities to work together to unlock our area’s full potential.”

Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:

“This is a landmark moment for our communities. By working together, we will take powers and resources out of Westminster to shape our own local future, drive economic growth, and deliver real benefits for the people of Southampton and the wider region.”

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:

"Today marks an important step in granting our region the powers and investment it needs to shape our own future. For Portsmouth it will mean economic growth and new opportunities for residents and businesses. By working together, we can deliver real and lasting benefits for our communities."