A devolution deal for Hampshire offers a route to improved economic and social outcomes, the leader of Southampton City Council has said,

Labour councillor Lorna Fielker joined the fellow leaders of Portsmouth, Isle of Wight and Hampshire councils in submitting identical expressions of interest to government.

These submissions related to exploring the opportunities a devolution agreement could bring to the region.

Providing an update at the city council meeting on Wednesday, September 18, Cllr Fielker said: “This is just the very first step in the journey though and there is still a lot more work to do.

“The decision for devolution is political and we need to ensure it doesn’t fall at the last line as it has done previously. It is really important we get it right this time.

“It has an impact on every resident in the region and we must ensure we are speaking to them, the businesses and other statutory organisations in looking to make a decision on this.”

Previous attempts to establish a regional devolution deal hit the buffers due to divisions between the south and north of the county.

Cllr Fielker confirmed district and borough councils had been engaged in the latest discussions, and she would look to hold cross-party conversations when more information is available.

Combined authorities, which allow multiple councils to work together and make joint decisions, are part of devolution deal negotiations.

The agreements involve a transfer of funding and decision-making powers from central to local government.

Cllr Fielker added: “Devolution offers a route to improved economic and social outcomes. Democratic decisions are better made by local people with the knowledge, capacity or flexibility needed to take advantage of every opportunity.

“It is absolutely essential for us to tackle regional inequality and unlock pride in our communities.”

The government recently announced progress on four devolution agreements – Hull and East Yorkshire, Greater Lincolnshire, Lancashire, and Devon and Torbay.

The deals, which are subject to parliamentary approval and local consent, could see the new combined authorities up and running next year.