Leader of New Forest District Council's statement in response to Hampshire Devolution announcement.

“The government has announced that Hampshire has been accepted on the fast-track devolution priority programme. The transfer of enhanced decision making from central government and the ability to retain a greater share of more locally generated funding that comes through devolution is something that I welcome.  As Leader of the Council, I will now remain engaged in the process to oversee the establishment of the Mayoral Strategic Authority for our region.

“The government has also formally invited NFDC to work with other councils in Hampshire and the Solent to develop a proposal for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Whilst this is a less favourable direction of travel, we have to accept that it is in our best interest to also fully engage in this process and help shape an outcome as opposed to risk having something imposed upon us. 

“It is expected that residents of the New Forest, and across broader Hampshire, will have an opportunity to feedback through a government led consultation process.

“I will continue to make strong representations for an outcome that I believe is the best fit for the communities of the New Forest, whilst being mindful of the broader Hampshire geography.”