City Leaders Slam ‘Underperforming’ Claim in Hampshire Power Struggle
Portsmouth and Southampton chiefs have hit back hard at Hampshire County Council’s Leader Roy Perry for slamming the south of the county as “underperforming.” The accusation comes amid talks to hand the Solent area new powers and a whopping £900m funding boost – plans Perry opposes.
Economy Booming Despite Tory Leader’s Dig
Recent economic reports bury the underperformance claim. The latest Centre for Cities report ranks Portsmouth (plus Gosport, Fareham, Havant) 9th in the UK for productivity per worker. Meanwhile, Southampton stands 4th in England on the Demos/PwC Good Growth Index.
Back in 2015, Solent’s employment rate hit 77.2%, beating the South East average of 76.9% and well above the national 73.6%. The region pulls in over half (£386m or 55%) of the business rates in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, proving it’s a major economic driver.
Leaders Fire Back: ‘Roy Perry’s Claims Are Ridiculous’
Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Donna Jones didn’t hold back, saying:
“It is ridiculous for Roy Perry to claim the south of Hampshire is underperforming. The county’s record managing services here is no better or worse than Portsmouth and Southampton. Our schools compare favourably too. With government offering new powers and £900m, Roy is blatantly trying to block progress to protect his own position.”
Southampton’s Cllr Simon Letts added:
“Southampton rakes in nearly £95m in business rates – more than any other Hampshire authority. Our cities create the jobs that wealthier Hampshire areas rely on. We’re the poorest part of the county, so this investment could transform lives. It’s a shame Roy Perry’s selfish politics are getting in the way.”
Solent Powers Plan Could Shift Control from Westminster
Besides Portsmouth and Southampton, East Hampshire, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, and the Isle of Wight councils are pushing for a Solent Combined Authority.
This body could get control of around £30m extra funding per year, more say over infrastructure, local transport, and keep all business rates its area generates. The move would bring decisions closer to home rather than Westminster.
The combined authority aims to:
- Boost business productivity and job creation
- Align adult education and training with local business needs
- Manage a dedicated transport budget including franchised bus services and key roads
Expect more power grabs too. The authority could eventually negotiate further devolved powers in health and criminal justice – just like Greater Manchester.
Battle for Hampshire’s Future Rages On
With £900m on the table, the fight over who runs the south’s future is heating up. City leaders vow to push ahead, while the county boss digs in his heels. One thing’s clear – Hampshire’s south is no backwater. It’s a powerhouse ready to claim its rightful share of control and cash.
