Statement from PCC Donna Jones on devolution and the future of police governance

“On Wednesday 5 February, the government announced Hampshire and the Solent region will be part of the devolution fast-track initiative. The decision to fast-track the application will establish a new Mayoral Combined County Authority for Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight, with elections for a Mayor to be held in May 2026.

“The plan for devolution in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is one of the biggest changes in governance nationally and locally in a generation. A new Mayor will take control of key services like transport, housing, skills and the economy. The opportunities that devolution offers our region are huge. Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is home to over 2.1 million, boasts two airports, two of Europe’s largest shipping ports, two national parks, and critical national energy infrastructure. It also hosts some of the world’s leading defence companies. The region’s potential to promote local businesses and attract investment on both national and international stages should not be underestimated.

“But strong public protection and safer neighbourhoods must also be at the heart of the new mayoral combined authority. What is clear is that under the current devolution proposals, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the governance of the fire service will likely be subsumed by the Mayor’s office.

“Embedding public safety within the broader scope of regional governance is key. Community safety must be a central pillar to benefit the unique aspects of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight; the two counties I care so deeply about. That is why I intend to run as Mayor for Hampshire and the Solent in the Mayoral elections in May 2026.”

What is devolution?

Devolution is the biggest change to local government in a generation. Alongside the combined authority, there will be an elected mayor. With local council leaders, the elected mayor will make decisions about how to spend certain pots of money in HIOW. Working together across the two county’s boundaries in areas including transport, skills and employment support, housing and planning and tackling climate change. For detailed information on how the government proposes devolution for Hampshire and the Solent area, you can read this overview Hampshire and the Solent devolution consultation – GOV.UK

Can I take part in the government consultation on devolution? 

Yes. The government launched a public consultation on Feb 17 which closes on April 13. The consultation seeks views on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the local government areas in Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, Isle of Wight Council, and Southampton City Council (referred to as Hampshire and the Solent in this consultation). You can find the consultation here, just follow this link: Hampshire and the Solent Devolution Consultation – About You – Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – Citizen Space

What will happen to the OPCC?
Under the current plans, the OPCC remains but will become a department in the Mayoral combined authority; all statutory functions remain and must be delivered by the mayor. In combined mayoral authorities, a deputy mayor for policing, fire and criminal justice is appointed to complete the day to day work of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

How will local government be reorganised?
Hampshire County Council has published information which may be useful here.