The three Unitary Authorities in Hampshire Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council and the Isle Wight Council are considering forming a combined authority, to take advantage of new powers and new funding that would be made available from central government if they went ahead. A public consultation is open until September 18 2016.
The Combined authority would only deal with new powers and leave the three constituent Councils as separate entities. However it would include the creation of a directly elected mayor, and alter the funding of the existing councils. The deal would not include the borough councils surrounding these authorities, but these would be able to join later if they choose to.
The plans are being consulted on now and anyone from one of these areas can read more and give their thoughts here.
The consultation closes on September 18 2016 after which the three councils will enter into further discussions with government.
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