WHEN WILL WE HAVE A MAYOR?
WHEN WILL WE HAVE A MAYOR?
Hampshire and the Solent was identified as a Devolution priority area. However, the Mayoral election will not take place until May 2028, following the decision that priority areas must complete LGR first to ensure that incoming Mayors inherit structures fit for purpose. Candidates have already come forward, and it’s worth residents
and businesses beginning to understand their platforms.
DO WE HAVE THE NEW AUTHORITIES AND THE OLD AUTHORITIES AT THE SAME TIME? Between now and April 2028, the existing and new authorities will operate in parallel during a transition period. When the Mayor is elected in May 2028, the Foundational Strategic Authority will become a Mayoral Strategic Authority. WHEN WILL THE REGION BE ABLE TO ACCESS FUNDING? After 18 months, the Mayor can look to agree an integrated settlement with central government, which will allow us access to significant funding opportunities.
WHAT CAN THE FOUNDATIONAL STRATEGIC AUTHORITY DO BEFORE THE MAYOR ARRIVES?
WILL AUTHORITIES BE ABLE TO DELIVER ABOVE AND BEYOND STATUTORY SERVICES DURING THIS PERIOD? I think we have to be realistic about what authorities will be able to deliver considering the immense amount of change that they are facing. Authorities deliver a lot more than their statutory obligations every day, however larger strategic development sites I think may be slower to manifest due to this changing landscape.
The Foundational Strategic Authority will be looking to establish the foundations of
regional growth. For example the authority could look to complete their Spatial Development Plan, which will identify development potential for the region prior to the Mayor’s arrival. WHAT CAN BUSINESSES DO WHILST ALL OF THIS CHANGE IS HAPPENING IN THE SECTOR? I advise that businesses take the time to understand the changing landscape of local government and how their region may be affected. It is important to remember that we, as local businesses, can be the constant through this immense period of change.
SPRING / 2026
BUSINESSSOUTH.ORG
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