The Government confirmed last week that Hampshire has been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, meaning an elected mayor by May 2026 and moving some powers with the money to enact them from central government to a new Mayoral Combined Authority, writes Cllr Phil North.
At the same time, the Government are requiring wholesale reorganisation of local government.
I described in my column last month that being part of the Devolution Priority Programme would be the least-worst option, and so it has come to pass.
We get the main prize of devolution but, crucially, it means TVBC will continue to exist for what I assume will be at least another three years before we move to a system of larger unitary authorities.
READ MORE: 'This is exciting news': Hampshire County Council leader welcomes devolution
My main concern with getting rid of the two-tier system is that district and borough councils like Test Valley have previously been protected from the huge cost pressures that affect upper-tier authorities.
Currently, the rising cost of adult social care and children’s services makes up around 85 per cent of Hampshire County Council’s budget.
This has led to Hampshire having to make significant cuts to other services.
Once unitarisation happens, this will mean cost pressures and the risk of cuts on all local services.
This is particularly galling considering the recent external review by the Local Government Association, published this week, that describes Test Valley as a ‘high performing’ authority and commends us on our ‘place-based’ and ‘collaborative approach’ between councillors from different political parties.
SEE MORE: Hampshire given green light for devolution with May elections postponed until 2026
Although I believe reorganisation is an unwelcome distraction, the Government has been clear that we don’t have a choice but to accept these changes.
I am, therefore, of the view that it is incumbent on me and all councillors to try and make the best of the situation for the benefit of local residents.
For me, that means ensuring that the culture of place-based working, collaboration, agility and flexibility is at the heart of any new local authority—and recognising that bigger isn’t always better when it comes to delivering efficient and effective local services.
We have seen in other parts of the country that super unitaries created on huge geographies have struggled financially and, in some cases, have then had to be broken up to become smaller again.
Whilst it's important we work within the government’s criteria—which means bigger units of local government—there needs to be an option to form a new council that is at the lower end of that.
In the meantime, can I reassure readers that our plans for the regeneration of Andover town centre remain very much on track.
Planning permission has now been granted for the demolition of the former Tesco Metro unit—which will commence this spring—making way for the new theatre.
Whilst planning applications for both the new theatre and the new riverside park along Western Avenue are in the final stages of being prepared.
Following extensive engagement with user and access groups, Andover Vision stakeholders, and the business community, plans will be displayed publicly in the former O2 unit with a series of drop-in sessions also taking place on Thursday, February 27, between 2pm and 7pm and Saturday, March 1, between 10am and 1pm.
At the end of the month, they will also be published on the Think Andover Town Centre website, so please do check them out.
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