HAMPSHIRE’S civic chiefs hope to hear by the end of the year whether plans for a “Southern Powerhouse” can become a reality.

The Daily Echo recently revealed that all 15 of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s council leaders had agreed to join forces in a bid to grab funding powers from central government.

And a letter, signed by all 15 leaders and confirming their hopes for the devolution of more powers, has now been sent to Communities Secretary Greg Clark.

The proposed area would cover the whole of Hampshire, as opposed to just the Solent, an idea originally considered by some council leaders.

County council leader Roy Perry, who sent the letter, said a new combined authority featuring all of the council leaders would not replace existing authorities but give them extra leverage to secure funding.

He said he hopes control over spending on skills, highways, flood defences and adult health care, which are currently in the hands of government ministers or agencies, would come to Hampshire.

He hopes to discuss the proposals with Mr Clark at the Local Government Association annual conference in Harrogate today (Weds, July 1).

Cllr Perry said: “There is agreement across the parties in Hampshire - we have Conservative councils, a Labour council in Southampton, an Independent one on the Isle of Wight and a Liberal Democrat one in Eastleigh so we have cross-party agreement.”