A battle is being fought for Hampshire - but who will take power?

The Leave campaign promised more power over what happens on our shores – and more money regained from the European Union to fund it.

But EU membership is just one aspect of our democracy – and in Hampshire we are trying to reign in some power ourselves.

A battle is being fought for the future of the county, and how we might take back millions of pounds controlled by the government.

Residents are being asked for their views on how it should work, with two competing visions on the table.

One promises billions of pounds to fund massive projects in Southampton, like a new tram network or conference centre to replace LeisureWorld.

The other promises more efficiency – and a potential council tax cut for nine in 10 people.

So which works best in reality? The Daily Echo has taken the temperature of council leaders elsewhere in Britain who have taken the plunge.

First, in more ways than one, is Greater Manchester.

It was England’s first combined authority and the trailblazer for the Solent Deal, which could bring government powers and cash to the south coast.

Backed by Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight councils, the Solent Deal would not replace any existing authorities, instead adding a new body responsible for big areas like transport and skills.

It is likely to be accompanied by a similar scheme for the ‘Heart of Hampshire’, including the New Forest, Basingstoke, Test Valley and Winchester.

And it would probably be run by a directly elected mayor, following the lead of Manchester, which votes for the first time next year.

Alex Ganotis, of Stockport Council, is one of 10 leaders at Greater Manchester’s top table, working with an interim mayor to control billions of pounds in areas like health, transport and infrastructure.

He says devolution has brought huge benefits, allowing local politicians to spend money where they see it is needed.

PICTURED: Manchester Town Hall

But he warns that the mayor’s team can feel remote from ordinary people.

“People need to feel and believe that they are a part of it,” he said.

“Greater Manchester moved really, really quickly and you’ve got to bring people with you.”

Sean Anstee, Conservative leader of Trafford Council, advised Hampshire’s leaders to base a new authority on business.

Describing the groundbreaking deal as the “largest shift of power from Whitehall to a local area in a generation”, he said: “Having a functioning economic area was critical ... most importantly because this is not about preserving what presently exists, but about creating something new that will see businesses and residents thrive and prosper.”

It is the fear of splitting Hampshire with new boundaries which seems to have motivated the Solent Deal’s main rival.

Hampshire County Council a power player in any new plans, wants to scrap the county’s district councils, like Eastleigh and the New Forest, creating a single unitary Hampshire Council.

The authority would not initially bid for government money or powers, but county council chief Roy Perry says it will mean more efficient services and lower taxes, cutting the backroom costs of multiple councils.

He has previously cited Wiltshire Council as an example – and that authority’s boss was effusive in her praise when approached by the Daily Echo.

Baroness Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Since we formed in 2009, Wiltshire Council has delivered significant savings, transformed services and empowered local communities to do more for themselves in a way unimaginable pre-unitary.

“Merging five authorities into one council has delivered savings to the taxpayer in excess of £125m. Back office costs are now less than seven per cent of our budget, compared to 19 per cent for our predecessor bodies.”

She added: “Not only are our communities stronger and more vibrant, with the highest rate of employment since 2006, but our increased purchasing power and economies of scale have enabled us to negotiate and secure better deals.”

In Hampshire, both camps are running consultations on the options. In both scenarios, there are fears the new top table would feel distant from local people, but both are promising huge benefits for the people.

Stockport boss Cllr Ganotis sounded a warning to the squabbling factions – no matter the result, this will only work if everyone works together.

“Greater Manchester is a very defined region, with Manchester as a city in the middle of it,” he said. “We’ve worked together for a very long time, and it doesn’t sound like that is the case in Hampshire.”

Solent Deal is inviting feedback until September 18 via solentdeal.co.uk. The county council’s consultation closes at 11.59pm on 20 September 2016.To take part, visit hants.gov.uk/servinghampshire.