Jim McMahon visits Southampton to discuss devolution

Mr McMahon said the government's determination to rebuild local government would end the "bidding wars" that often resulted in councils competing against each other for funding.

The new political landscape envisaged by ministers will see many of the existing authorities swept away.

But Mr McMahon said the new-look councils created by the changes would have greater powers and a bigger say over what happened in the areas they served.

Local government minister Jim McMahon visited Southampton to champion the benefits of devolution (Image: Newsquest)

As reported in the Daily Echo, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has approved the Hampshire Solent bid for devolution.

Hampshire currently operates under a two-tier system comprising the county council and district councils, plus unitary authorities such as Labour-run Southampton.

The government says it wants to create a simpler, more effective local government structure.

READ MORE: Devolution would see mayors able to exercise new powers

Under devolution, powers will be transferred from Westminster to Hampshire, alongside additional funding and investment. A mayor will be elected in 2026 to head up a new combined authority.

The mayor will work with council bosses to decide how regional funding should be allocated.

Mr McMahon inspected repairs to the art gallery roof during his visit to Southampton (Image: Newsquest)

During his visit, Mr McMahon inspected repairs being carried out to the art gallery roof and held talks with civic chiefs, including council leader Lorna Fielker and Satvir Kaur, Labour MP for Southampton Test.

He said: "People care about things such as houses and jobs - and what devolution does is bring all these things together.

"It's really important that power is moved out of Whitehall and Westminster."

READ MORE: Devolution is the latest 'delusion, fantasy and dream'

Mr McMahon said the government had a responsibility to rebuild local government after what he described as a "difficult" 14-year period for the sector.

Referring to the last major re-organisation he added: "Some people say it should have happened in 1974.

"The Hampshire Solent region has two million people who deserve to have more control over their affairs. There's now an acceptance that the time for change has come.

"What devolution does is give local leaders the chance to drive the destiny of their areas."

Asked if the government was moving too quickly, he said: "We are working to a very tight timetable - deliberately.

"We don't want to wait 5-10 years. We have a big responsibility to local people to create councils that are sustainable."

Cllr Fielker told the Daily Echo: "The mayoral combined authority is a great opportunity to move power and money out of Whitehall to our region.

"It was good to discuss the uniqueness of our region with the minister and the opportunities devolved government will bring for residents and businesses across Hampshire and the Solent."