City Chiefs Slam ‘Underperforming’ Slur from Hampshire Leader
Leaders of Portsmouth and Southampton have hit back fiercely against claims that South Hampshire is underperforming. The two cities are part of a big push involving eight councils, aiming to secure new powers and a whopping £900m in government funding for the Solent area.
But Hampshire County Council’s leader, Cllr Roy Perry, slammed these plans, saying the authority shouldn’t be handed to an underperforming region. The accusation has sparked anger, especially as recent economic reports paint a very different picture.
South Hampshire’s Economy Defies Negativity
- The latest Centre for Cities report ranks Portsmouth (plus Gosport, Fareham, and Havant) 9th in the UK for value of goods and services produced per worker.
- Southampton ranks 4th in England on the Demos/PwC Good Growth Index.
- In 2015, Solent’s employment rate topped at 77.2%, beating the South East average of 76.9% and the national average of 73.6%.
- The Solent area rakes in over half (£386m or 55%) of business rates collected across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
City Leaders Fire Back
Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Donna Jones put it bluntly:
“It is ridiculous for Roy Perry to claim the south of Hampshire is underperforming. The county’s record managing services in the south is no better or worse than ours. Our schools fare better than those run by the county. We have a real chance to make a difference with the government’s new powers and £900m funding. Roy is just trying to block it to protect his own position.”
Southampton City Council Leader Cllr Simon Letts added:
“Southampton generates almost £95m in business rates – more than any other local authority in Hampshire. The cities in the south create the jobs that wealthier parts of Hampshire commute to daily. Yet we remain the poorest area, which is why government wants to invest here. It’s a shame Roy Perry wants to stop that for selfish reasons. The government sees Solent as a growth hub. It would be better if the county supported us, not just looked after its own interests.”
Power Grab Could Boost South Hampshire Big Time
Alongside Portsmouth and Southampton, councils from East Hampshire, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, and the Isle of Wight are teaming up with the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership to bring more local control.
The plan? Form a Solent Combined Authority wielding about £30m extra per year to improve infrastructure, transport, and local services. This body would keep all business rates generated, enabling better financial control and local decision-making – not Westminster calling the shots.
Responsibilities would include:
- Boosting business productivity and job creation.
- Aligning education and training with local business needs.
- Managing a dedicated transport budget, franchised bus services, and strategic local roads.
With a stronger, combined voice, the area could negotiate even more powers in the future, like health and criminal justice, following the lead of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
The battle for control of the region’s future has just begun – with South Hampshire’s leaders determined not to let outdated stereotypes hold them back.
