New Regional Authority Holds First Public Meeting as Jonathan Bacon Tipped for Vice-Chair Role

A new regional authority backed by a £1.3 billion government investment fund will hold its first public meeting next week, with the appointment of its chairman, budgets and governance arrangements all on the agenda.

The inaugural meeting of the Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) will take place at Southampton Civic Centre on Monday, July 13.

The authority has been handed devolved powers and funding by the Government, allowing it to take the lead on transport, housing, strategic planning, skills, economic development, public safety and environmental issues.

Existing councils, including the Isle of Wight Council, will continue to deliver day-to-day local services.

The five-member board includes Isle of Wight Council leader Jonathan Bacon (Independent), alongside representatives from Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council.

Following political disagreement over who should lead the authority, Hampshire County Council leader Nick Adams-King has been recommended as chairman, while Cllr Bacon has been put forward as vice-chairman.

A report to the meeting describes the appointments as a "critical early step" in establishing the authority's leadership ahead of the first mayoral election, due in 2028.

Board members will also be asked to appoint Adam Swain as chief finance officer and approve a series of governance documents, including the authority's legal framework and first budget.

HSCCA chief executive Ruth Adams said the meeting marks a significant milestone in bringing the new organisation into operation.

She said:

"It is a really important moment because the board members are making the decisions that really bring the organisation to life.

"They are going to agree a very early budget.

"They are going to agree the legal framework of the authority.

"Whilst it might seem quite an innocuous meeting... it really is important."

The authority's first budget for 2026/27 forecasts revenue spending of £14.6 million and is balanced.

During its first year, the HSCCA will concentrate on establishing how projects will be delivered, creating a pipeline of investment opportunities and preparing to take on its new responsibilities across the region.

Ahead of the election of a regional mayor in 2028, the Government will provide the authority with £17.8 million a year for the next two years.

Half will be allocated to capital projects, while the remainder will fund project delivery, staffing, management costs and preparations for the mayoral election.

If voting is required at board meetings, most decisions will be made by a simple majority, although the chairman will not have a casting vote.

A tied vote will therefore mean a proposal is not approved.

The authority will also establish audit and governance, and overview and scrutiny committees, with representatives drawn from Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.