The government included Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in its Devolution Priority Programme, fast-tracking a Strategic Mayoral Authority set for May 2026, according to the city council.

Approval for fast-track devolution paves the way for a new strategic mayoral authority across Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The authority, overseeing transport, infrastructure and economic growth, follows a joint bid to the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme.

Cllr Lorna Fielker, leader of Southampton City Council, said: “Devolution will bring enormous benefits for the residents of Southampton and the wider region, being accepted onto the Government’s fast-track programme is a major step forward.”

The government signalled they will launch a public consultation on proposals to seek local residents’ views.