The Labour government want to make changes to the way we are governed locally. They wish to create new Mayoral Combined County Authorities (MCCA) across England. What does that mean for us here in the South?

 

• Government is consulting on a new Mayoral Combined County Authority.

• Would cover Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth & the Isle of Wight whose Councils have all agreed to go along with it. There is currently no planned referendum on such an important change! The consultation finished on 13 April! Go to: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/lggc/hampshire-and-the-solent-devolution-consultation/

• The new Mayor would have powers over policing, economic growth, education & skills, transport, housing and the environment.

• The Mayor would be elected and have a cabinet with Council members from Hampshire (2), Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.

• Mayor to be elected in May 2026 on a first past the post ballot. It is more than likely the main parties will field “full time” politicians rather than some one qualified to run a large concern.

• Some argue this will speed up planning and make decision making quicker. Also it would attract a higher level of investment and government support. Some argue its just more bureaucracy, why not simply give more powers to the existing Councils? Also the elected Mayor would be taking some power away from existing councils thus less representation. Another concern is how will all those council debts be paid for – the taxpayer!  A major issue is the lack of democracy! Council elections have already been cancelled in 2025 and there is no sign that a referendum will be held on such an important change!

 

Reform UK for Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight has produced a responses to the Consultation questions and in summary we do not see, within the current economic crisis the benefits of creating a mayoral system, the additional cost involved as well as the bureaucracy incurred. Why not simply enhance the powers and accountability of the existing Councils. Also the lack of democracy in the process.

 

However, it would seem the new system will come into play from May 2026 and a new Mayor elected! So we must put our own candidate forward and win the MCCA for Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.