THE future of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight was in focus at Westminster as the area’s devolution bid hosted a parliamentary reception shortly before Christmas.

The event, sponsored by North East Hampshire MP Ranil Jayawardena, was an opportunity for the parliamentary members to hear more about the ambitious plans and speak to the partners involved.

Despite a full parliamentary schedule, 11 of the area’s 19 MPs attended the two-hour event where they met with leaders and chief executives from the partners as well as representatives from the emergency services and business community.

Mr Jayawardena, chairman of the newly-established Hampshire and Isle of Wight All Party Parliamentary Group said: “It was a pleasure to come together to celebrate the significant progress on the devolution deal for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“The fact so many MPs are supportive is testimony to the widespread support and benefits we see in devolving powers to local areas. I look forward to working together to create a more prosperous Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and increasing our contribution to the success of the UK as a whole."

The county’s devolution proposals are set out in a prospectus submitted to central government on behalf of 15 councils, two local enterprise partnerships and two national park authorities within its boundaries. It also has the support of Hampshire Constabulary and its fire and rescue service.

Should the proposals be successful, the ambitious nature of the devolution deal and number of partners involved mean it could become a blueprint for cities and regions across the country to follow.

Hampshire’s proposals focus around four key themes: boosting business and skills for work; accelerating housing delivery; investing in infrastructure; and transforming public services. But EHDC’s Tory leader Ferris Cowper has already warned he fears Hampshire will be foisted with a much larger number of homes to meet Whiteall targets.