DISAPPOINTMENT was expressed at a Hampshire County Council meeting after the Pan-Hampshire County Deal was rejected by Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight unitary councils.

As part of the chairman's announcements, the leader of the county council, Cllr Rob Humby expressed his disappointment with the three unitary councils after they rejected the 'once-in-a-generation' deal.

Last month, the leader welcomed the statement from the central government confirming the intention to progress a single county deal for the area.

However, at the county council cabinet meeting on July 18, Cllr Humby said: "Potential new funding of £1.1B, along with extra investment, would significantly benefit our region in line with other parts of England that have already proceeded.

"For many months, the county council have worked together with all councillors and stakeholders of the wide Hampshire to join and shape our proposal for the devolution.

"Since we submitted the plans to the Government at the end of last year, ministers and officials have responded extremely positively to our ambition.

"However, the leaders of the three unitary councils of Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight have also written to Government requesting a separate 'Two Deal Solution', one for the unitary councils and one for the county.

"The Government has consistently made clear that only a single wide county deal is open for discussion and offers to meet the minister to progress discussion has now been rejected by the leaders of the unitary authorities.

"Clearly, this is extremely disappointing. No longer an option but a potential lost opportunity for residents and future generations."

Members of the cabinet agreed with Cllr Humby, with Cllr Edward Heron saying: "The advantage of a county deal is the ability to work strategically across the whole county of Hampshire. It is a good example of an opportunity that has been lost."

The Pan-Hampshire County Deal could have been a considerable contribution to all authorities with councils facing significant economic problems due to pressures in adult social care or children's services.

After a recent financial report, Southampton City Council indicated that they could need to invoke Section 114 notice in October.

The Pan-Hampshire area covers Hampshire County Council, Southampton and Portsmouth City Councils, the 11 district and borough councils within the County Council administrative area and the Isle of Wight Council.