Decision details

Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive regarding working towards

economic strength post COVID, whilst recognising the significant impact

of the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis.

In introduction, it was noted that the County Council’s focus was now firmly on driving the economy forward. Local and national challenges were outlined and the next steps towards a Hampshire County Deal set out, with reference to the appended Prospectus.

Cabinet welcomed the report and with regards to the County Deal questioned whether anything could be drawn from other bids relating to either the scale of Hampshire or governance models. It was heard that Hampshire had economic and demographic features similar to other County Deal areas and noted that there was an unwillingness to sub-divide Counties. It was also confirmed that Deals did not involve re-organisation or unitarisation, but had a focus on devolution on the basis of the three levels established by Government. With regard to how a Deal might help with the current cost of living crisis, Cabinet recognised that devolution was a key mechanism to drive local economic growth, including skills as well as to align economic and green ambitions.

Officers were thanked for their work on the County Deal and the recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.