SUPPORT from authorities across the Solent is "critical" to the development of the area's Freeport, according to those behind the scheme. 

This week, Southampton City Council is expected to offer its support to proposals for the Solent Freeport. 

Branded a 'tremendous opportunity' for Southampton, the scheme is expected to see around £2bn worth of investment and the creation of 26,000 jobs.

It comes as New Forest District Council confirmed its support for the plans at a meeting on Monday. 

Deputy leader, Cllr Jill Cleary, said after the meeting: "We welcome this opportunity to secure additional funding that will be invested in the objectives of the Freeport, so will enable planned growth to be brought forwards more quickly."

READ MORE: Solent Freeport progress branded 'tremendous opportunity' for city

It comes as the Solent Freeport Consortium Ltd has stressed the importance of support for the scheme. 

Brian Johnson, Chair of the Solent Freeport Consortium Ltd, said: "Full support from local authority partners is critical to the development of the Solent Freeport, and, along with the recent confirmation that Government has approved the Outline Business Case, I am delighted that we're making such good progress.  

"This is the result of a successful collaboration of partners across the region - private sector organisations, local councils and universities, and I really am delighted to see the outcome of what can be achieved by working together.

"The next milestone will be submitting the Full Business Case to Government over the coming weeks."

He added that the freeport will benefit businesses and communities and offer opportunities for our young people and providing a "centre of excellence in green skills and jobs" branding it a  "once-in-a-generation opportunity". 

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But Cllr Kaur, leader of the Labour group in Southampton has made calls for clear benefits to local communities to be highlighted. 

Cllr Kaur told the Echo: “The announcement of the Solent Freeport was announced this time last year, while it remains a great opportunity for the region and the promise of investment is welcome, it does feel like we’re lagging behind others that were announced, that are now much further along.

"I would like to see the reality match the rhetoric, with clear benefits for local communities in Southampton, along with greener infrastructure and assurances that jobs created will pay a decent wage with worker rights protected.”

The full business case for the port is now due to go to the government for the final sign-off on the scheme.