Leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Nick Adams-King responds to government’s plan for ‘devolution by default’ which could see New Forest District Council axed

THE leader of Hampshire County Council has raised concerns over the government’s plans for devolution, which will result in the loss of New Forest District Council.

As reported in the A&T an new era of “local power” unveiled by the Labour government will see the creation of “strategic authorities” across every region of England, similar to those which currently have elected regional mayors.

The “devolution by default” will mean end the two-tier local government system, introduced in 1974 by the Conservatives.

Cllr Nick Adams-King previously said if district councils were replaced by larger unitaries with populations of at least 500,000 people, the New Forest population would potentially be needed to boost those of a neighbouring council and could be swallowed by BCP Council or “more likely” Southampton.

Commenting after the release of the white paper, he told the A&T that while there were benefits to devolution – such as more power at a local level and the funding which comes with it – he had concerns.

“It is right that we should be able to decide more issues locally and the money that comes with it – that is the good bit [of devolution].

“What I fear is that all the good stuff can be caught up in the uncertainty and disruption that reorganisation brings.

“If there is a simple and straightforward way to rework the council structure for Hampshire that will benefit services for people, then yes I would welcome it. I am not convinced that there is.”

He added at the “forefront” of decisions should be those affected by the possible loss of NFDC.

“There are thousands of people who work for [local] councils and many more thousands who rely on councils across Hampshire to deliver services – from roads, to meal on wheels, accommodation, vulnerable children and adults – all of whom are affected by the changes. We need to put people first.”

Cllr Adams-King said creating just one authority in the region could be a quick saving, but it would take the local government “further away from the people”.

“Hampshire works well as the county council and 11 districts and boroughs; I don’t see the reason to change that.

“Devolution could add further things to us. We can work within that system, and it worries me that not doing so means we actually get diverted from delivering good stuff to people.

“There’s a brighter future for us if we can work better together.”