The great Devolution debate continues with Hampshire County Council advocating a Unitary authority which would see all local control of services scrapped and centralised management of our local facilities from Winchester and on the other side of the debate all District, Borough and City Councils in agreement that a Combined Authority approach is the best solution for our communities.
For me I think that HCC does a super job of looking after highways interests around Winchester (where it is based) but feel that local issues are lower down the list of priorities and when it comes to support on planning issues they may as well be on a different continent.
The local District and Borough Councils have put together a information sheet with some of the pros and cons clearly laid out so that this is easier to understand and to view the 4 page PDF please click on this link HERE There is also a website Councils For Devolution where there is more information and a consultation where you can give your views.
I have attached an excerpt form the information booklet on the key pros and cons – hopefully this sets out the case more clearly!