Portsmouth to decide next week whether to sign up to Solent combined authority

The city’s Tory cabinet is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, October 12, to go over the plan.

It would see Portsmouth linking up with Southampton and the Isle of Wight on a board which will have be given a pot of government cash to spend on major improvements in the county.

The plans have been met with controversy, with Lib Dem rivals in Portsmouth calling for a referendum to be held so local people can decide whether the combined authority is a good move – not a select few in power.

There’s also fears decisions concerning Portsmouth will be made away from the city and taken by people who do not live in the area.

Portsmouth City Council’s chief executive, David Williams, will present a report at the cabinet report going over the consultation that’s been carried out into the proposals.

As reported, more than 2,000 people across Hampshire have had a say. Southampton and Isle of Wight councillors have to also agree to their councils being involved.