Purpose

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council setting out the proposed response to the Government's consultation on establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority across Hampshire, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight and Southampton.

Decision

To agree the proposed response, set out at Appendix 1 of the report, to the Government’s consultation on establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority across Southampton, Hampshire, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight, submitted on behalf of Southampton City Council.

Reasons for the decision

1  The establishment of a Mayoral Combined County Authority across Southampton, Hampshire, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight would be a major change to regional governance. It will bring significant opportunities for Southampton by devolving funding and responsibilities from central government to a more local level.

2  The proposed response sets out a summary of the key points of impact for Southampton and highlights areas where we would welcome further consideration by Government.

Alternative options considered

1  The council could choose not to respond to the consultation however this would limit Southampton City Council’s opportunity to express its view on the proposed Mayoral Combined County Authority.

2  An alternative response, deviating from the text at Appendix 1 could be provided to the consultation if Cabinet were so minded however this would need to be agreed by the consultation deadline on 13th April 2025.