Soon Hampshire will see some important changes as a result of devolution. At Action Hampshire, we want to help our members in the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector understand what this means, why it matters, and how to prepare.
What is Devolution?
Put simply, devolution is about moving powers and funding from national government in Westminster to local government.
Instead of decisions being made by ministers and civil servants in London, they will be made closer to the people and communities they affect. The UK Government set out its plans for devolution in England in a White Paper, published on 16 December 2024. The paper, “English Devolution: Power and Partnership – Foundations for Growth”, outlines how more areas will take on devolved powers over the coming years.
The aim is to give local leaders more control over issues like housing, transport, health, employment and skills – helping services to be better joined up and more responsive to local needs.
Why is this happening?
According to the White Paper, devolution is designed to:
- Make public services more effective by tailoring them to local priorities
- Join up services such as transport, housing, health, and employment
- Strengthen local accountability, for example through directly elected Mayors
- Boost local economic growth by giving areas the tools and funding to invest
What does this mean for Hampshire’s VCSE sector?
While the exact details for Hampshire are still being finalised, there are some clear implications for VCSE organisations:
- Closer decision-making – Local leaders, not Westminster, will have more control over funding and priorities
- Opportunities to influence – The VCSE sector could have more chances to shape local strategies where services affect communities
- Potential for new funding streams – With money coming directly into Hampshire, there may be new or re-shaped programmes supporting skills, employment, health inequalities, and community services
- Joined-up services – Devolution aims to reduce silos, creating opportunities for VCSE organisations to work across health, housing, and employment
- The importance of engagement – New structures (such as a Strategic Authority and elected Mayor) mean it will be vital for the VCSE sector to stay informed, connected, and ready to make its voice heard
Potential challenges…
While devolution brings opportunities, there are some concerns to keep in mind:
- Unequal powers and funding – Not all areas will have the same level of control or resources
- Complex new structures – Strategic Authorities or elected Mayors may initially be confusing for organisations and residents
- Capacity and accountability – Local bodies will need sufficient resources and transparency to manage new responsibilities effectively
- Impact on VCSE organisations – Changing funding streams or partnership arrangements may require organisations to adapt quickly
What’s next?
Have your say in shaping local decision-making!
Join the Unified VCSE voice online event: Monday 20 October, 13:00–14:30
✨ Hear from sector leaders already driving change
✨ Share your priorities in themed breakout sessions
✨ Contribute to manifestos that will go directly to Mayoral candidates at a Hustings event
This is more than a meeting – it’s a chance to strengthen partnerships and influence decisions that affect us all.
Follow this link to register your place
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