HAMPSHIRE'S hopes for a successful devolution bid have received a boost, after Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark hosted a meeting to learn more about the bid.

He invited some of the council and business leaders involved in the bid to Westminster so he could learn more about the area’s plans and receive greater detail on specific elements of proposals.

Plans submitted to government earlier this autumn, focus on four key themes: boosting business and skills for work; accelerating housing delivery; investing in infrastructure; and transforming public services.

The time invested by Mr Clarke in the meeting gives increased confidence to the Hampshire bid.

Work to progress the devolution deal will now take place between his officials and local council and business leaders.

East Hampshire District Council based in Petersfield is a member of the coalition of local authorities in Hampshire behind the devolution bid.

Councillor Roy Perry, Leader of Hampshire County Council, was present at the meeting and said: “We had a friendly and productive meeting with the Secretary of State and it is clear that the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area is very well regarded in Government. We are meeting before the end of November with our other local partners who were not present yesterday, as it is important that they should have a chance to hear about what was discussed and consider together how far we can go in pressing the Government to transfer meaningful power to residents and businesses in our area.”