TransportXtra features news, opinion and analysis from the UK transport policy & planning;
passenger transport; urban development & parking industries.

Calls for a referendum could scupper Solent devolution deal for transport

Lee Baker
10 July 2016
The Solent authorities hope to improve the sub-regional economy with the deal. Pictured: Solent Enterprise Zone
The Solent authorities hope to improve the sub-regional economy with the deal. Pictured: Solent Enterprise Zone
 

Calls for a referendum threaten plans for a combined authority and devolution deal covering transport for the Solent authorities in Hampshire.

The Solent councils claimed in the spring to have struck a deal with Government for an elected mayor-led combined authority covering Portsmouth, Southampton, the Isle of Wight and districts in south Hampshire. The leader of Portsmouth, Councillor Donna Jones, said the authority has "reached the conclusion of negotiations". Southampton's Labour leader Councillor Simon Letts, while saying the Government had "shoe-horned people into arrangements," believed it was "a good deal".

There's a lack of involvement with the residents of Portsmouth in making decisions about Portsmouth.

The referendum vote to leave the European Union subsequently put the deal on hold until a new Prime Minister is selected by Conservative party members, it was reported. Now, the Lib Dem opposition on Portsmouth has cried foul over the proposals, agreed at breakneck speed in the spring. Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Lib Dem group leader, told the local press: "There's a lack of transparency and involvement with the residents of Portsmouth in making decisions about Portsmouth."

"Portsmouth won't be able to sort out what happens to its main roads. That will happen somewhere else. So we should be asking people what they think abou tthis. We're doing this more undemocratically than anywhere else... in Portsmouth there is no debate at full council. I'm concerned about us concentrating power in the hands of one person."

The News said that the Solent leaders met local government secretary Greg Clark in Bournemouth and have written to him saying they hope to consult over the plans over the summer.

Deputy Team Leader - Transport Planning
London Borough of Havering
Town Hall, Romford, Essex, RM1 3BB, GB
Grade 9 £51,093 - £55,155 pa
Deputy Team Leader - Transport Planning
London Borough of Havering
Town Hall, Romford, Essex, RM1 3BB, GB
Grade 9 £51,093 - £55,155 pa
Deputy Team Leader - Transport Planning
London Borough of Havering
Town Hall, Romford, Essex, RM1 3BB, GB
Grade 9 £51,093 - £55,155 pa
View all Vacancies
 
Search
 
 
 

TransportXtra is part of Landor LINKS

© 2024 TransportXtra | Landor LINKS Ltd | All Rights Reserved

Subscriptions, Magazines & Online Access Enquires
[Frequently Asked Questions]
Email: subs.ltt@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7959

Shop & Accounts Enquires
Email: accounts@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7855

Advertising Sales & Recruitment Enquires
Email: daniel@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7861

Events & Conference Enquires
Email: conferences@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7865

Press Releases & Editorial Enquires
Email: info@transportxtra.com | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7875

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Advertise

Web design london by Brainiac Media 2020