Plan to bring millions of new investment to the region

Millions of pounds in new funding for Hampshire and the Solent is a step closer after Southampton City Council today formally gave it go ahead to establish the new Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority.

The decision, if agreed by Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council and the Isle of Wight Council, would allow the Combined Authority to be established this year, and operate without a Mayor until elections to May 2028.

Under the new arrangements, Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council, and the Isle of Wight Council will make decisions collectively. This arrangement ensures all partners have equal control, while still allowing the Combined Authority to get up and running.

Government has also confirmed £17.84 millions of early investment for the first two years, allowing work to begin on shared priorities including transport, regeneration, and skills, ahead of the investment fund increasing to £44.6 million a year once a mayor is elected in 2028.

Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Alex Winning said: “This decision is of great significance for our residents, paving the way for millions of pounds of new investment and ensuring Southampton has a real voice at the table from day one.

“It means we can get on with shaping investment, planning improvements, and delivering real benefits for residents now, rather than waiting until 2028. This early funding, combined with strong protections for each council, puts us in the best possible position to build an organisation that works for our city and our region. By the time the mayor is elected, we will already be delivering for local people and ready to secure even more investment for Southampton.”