Report will explore the option of devolution

Winchester City Council – which is responsible for Wickham, Whiteley, Denmead and Bishop’s Waltham – has jointly commissioned a report into the option of obtaining more devolved powers from government with five other councils.

The council is working with borough and district councils in Test Valley, Basingstoke, Hart, New Forest and Rushmoor – dubbed the ‘Heart of Hampshire’.

The report, from consultants PwC, has been prepared in parallel with other options such as the Solent Combined Authority – which would be made up of Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight councils – and Hampshire County Council’s plan for devolved powers.

Winchester council says the report will act as a basis for conversations between the county and district councils as to how they can improve services and decision-making.