HAMPSHIRE County Council cabinet will be weighing up some important issues about devolution and the future of local government in the county at it’s next meeting.

On Monday, November 14, members will be looking at how best to go forward regarding devolution.

A proposal earlier this year led by the county council for Hampshire to get devolved powers as a county has fallen by the way side.

Now a group of council’s under the Solent Combined Authority banner are putting forward a separate devolution proposal to government.

In response, the county council launched a consultation to gather the views of residents, businesses and other groups and organisations on devolution.

County council leader, Councillor Roy Perry said: "The feedback from over 5,000 residents, businesses and key stakeholders will be at the heart of our decision-making.

"I’m very grateful to those who responded to our open consultation and those who participated in the forums and telephone interviews.

“It was clear the majority supported keeping Hampshire together, which is a position we’ve maintained, as it protects vital county-wide services, such as highways; and health and social care.

"The county council remains strongly opposed to parts of Hampshire joining a Solent Combined Authority (SCA) as is being proposed. This would lead to services the county council provides, such as highways and transport, being broken up and handed over to the SCA, led by an elected mayor.

“If this was to happen, the county council’s planned investments in major road schemes could be seriously jeopardised.

"We have always felt very strongly that devolution should achieve the best outcomes for the whole county. I remain committed, as I have been all along, to working with our partners to achieve this.

"We have a duty to sustain public services in the most cost effective way. That’s why I want to keep Hampshire together – for our community, our services and our economic prospects."

Following consideration by cabinet, the county council’s position on devolution and local government re-organisation will then be considered at a meeting of the full council on Thursday, November 24.

For more information visit the council website /www.hants.gov.uk and follow the link: Further update on Local Government Review