RSA Southampton recently hosted a discussion focussed on unlocking the devolution opportunity for Southampton at which Ross McNally, Chief Executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, spoke.
The current proposal is to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority across Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, and the event was timed to inform submissions to the Government Consultation regarding this proposal which closes on April 14th.
The conversation was introduced by Spencer Bowman. Joining him and Ross on the panel were Lorna Fielker (Leader, Southampton City Council); Debbie Tann MBE, CEO, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust; Rob Kurn, CEO, Southampton Voluntary Services, and Mark Lloyd, (Head of Policy, RSA).
The panellists and audience represented different points of view, with politics, policy, environment, business and community organisations all being represented. Despite – or perhaps because – of this the conversation that followed was positive, forward facing and showed a significant degree of agreement.
THE BENEFIT: STRATEGIC REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
The over-arching opportunity afforded by devolution was articulated by Lorna. Using comparators such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, she highlighted the importance and benefit of the delegation of powers and budget, allowing for strategic management of critical areas such as transport, skills, culture, and economic growth.
The conversation emphasised that the elected Mayor will both lead the Strategic Authority and represent the region nationally and internationally. As such, the benefit is both for strategic management of the region and the development of its external reputation.
THE OBJECTIVE: INCLUSIVE GROWTH
Mark LLyod introduced inclusive growth, referencing the work of the RSA in facilitating the East Midlands Inclusive Growth Commission. Like the East Midlands, the proposed Strategic Authority for Hampshire has diverse economic and social needs ranging from two major port cities to rural areas and commuter towns.
Inclusive growth – as defined by the RSA – recognises the nested systems of the economy, community and environment in delivering inclusive growth that supports all citizens and communities.
Debbie Tann emphasised the centrality of nature and climate resilience, believing that with appropriate statutory powers the devolved authority had a significant opportunity to place nature-based solutions at the heart of environmental, social and economic regeneration.
Rob Kurn and Ross McNally both emphasised the central role of business and community organisations in delivering regional, inclusive prosperity.
The discussion that followed emphasised the need to move away from one-dimensional, GDP metric for growth to include broader measures of social, economic and natural wellbeing.
The consensus was that inclusive growth that benefits across geographies and communities is an ambition for the devolved authority and our city and region.
THE PRE-REQUISITE: GOVERNANCE & REPRESENTATION
The desire for inclusive growth was shared by all. The question becomes how we ensure it is a priority for the proposed strategic authority. In this context the proposed governance of the proposed strategic authority came under scrutiny.
The governance of the proposed strategic authority was described as Hampshire County Council, the Isle of Wight Council, Southampton and Portsmouth city councils, with Hampshire having two representatives and each of the others one representative (so five in total).
In addition, the strategic authority can appoint up to five non-constituent or associate members who represent relevant organisations who support the delivery of the strategic authority.
The discussion focused on how Southampton and the wide range of commercial, political, and community voices and opinions can be presented to – and heard by – the Mayor and the Strategic Authority.
Various options were discussed. Mark Lloyd referenced the Bristol Mayor’s creation of a ‘Council of All The Voices’, acting as an citizens assembly that enables a wide range of opinion to be factored into decision making is areas such as transport and climate change.
THE ECONOMIC FOUNDATION: SKILLS & EMPLOYABILITY
Ross McNally emphasised the current challenges facing businesses and the benefits of having a strategic authority with devolved powers acting to support businesses across the devolved region.
In particular, there is benefit in identifying significant clusters of businesses and employers, and ensuring that skills development is supported to enable both business growth and increase employability of individuals.
An important consideration was recognition that skills development planning supports the regeneration of both urban and rural economies, businesses and communities.
A NEW STRATEGIC LENS: SOCIAL CAPITAL
Mark LLoyd introduced the evidence developed by the RSA for the causal link between social capital (connections between individuals and across socio-economic boundaries) and individual and economic outcomes.
It was agreed that this causal link could provide a new lens with which to develop social and economic policy at a regional level – especially for regions like ours that is socially and economically diverse.
THE START: THE MAYOR WILL NOT START FROM SCRATCH
Everyone expressed the view that the Mayor and the Strategic Authority will not be starting from scratch, as a great deal of research, insight and policy proposals already exist.
THE IMPERATIVE: CONTINUED COLLABORATON
All the panellists and the contributors agreed that there is a need to continue to debate and discuss devolution across stakeholders and policy domains.
RSA Southampton is committed to providing a safe, positive space where these forward looking conversations can continue.
Ross McNally said of the discussions, “This was such a great event. It was so good to be able to share our business context. It was exciting to see so much in common on the panel and in the room. Hampshire Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working in partnership to develop further devolution insights.”
The Government Consultation is open until 14th April and can be accessed here
About Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is the independent voice of local business across the county and one of the largest regional business networks in the UK. With a strategic vision to ‘unlock Hampshire’s potential’, Hampshire Chamber brings together the combined influence, strength and expertise of the county’s three former major chambers. It works with over 2,000 individual firms spanning all sectors and sizes of business. Member services include training, advice, international trade documentation, events, networking opportunities and lobbying to policymakers on issues affecting business. Hampshire Chamber’s business network is designed to help any employer to grow and thrive irrespective of their stage on the enterprise journey.