PLANS to create a combined Solent authority, which would have given the region more delegated powers, have been scrapped by Westminster – but local councils were not told.

The news was revealed by South Portsmouth MP Stephen Morgan who received a letter from Devolution Minister Jake Berry which noted “the 2016 devolution deal is not on the table.”

This has sparked frustrated responses from local council leaders.

The proposed authority, which would have combined Southampton, Portsmouth, and Isle of Wight councils, taken on responsibility for services currently managed by central government and received £900 million of new funding over 30 years.

Those in support of the plans claimed this would have allowed better decisions to be made locally, with a focus on economic growth, improving infrastructure and transport links and delivering homes.

These benefits, they add, would have been the starting point for the Solent with further powers and funding expected to be added as a combined authority established itself.

The authority would have been led by a mayor, similar to Manchester and London. Chris Hammond, leader of Southampton City Council, said: “Almost two years after we submitted our proposal to the government, I’m pleased they have apparently provided a written response – although they have not yet had the courtesy to write directly to the local authorities involved.

“After all the hard work that was put into a compelling and workable bid it’s extremely disappointing that they have apparently decided not to proceed with the deal which would have benefitted the lives of local people.

Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Portsmouth City Council leader, added: “It is beyond disappointing that the government would dismiss something that so much work has gone into without even the courtesy of notifying the three councils that submitted it.

“Devolution would give a huge boost to Portsmouth and the surrounding area with more financial autonomy and the power to make significant changes to meet our specific economic needs.”

However, since the revelation, government chiefs claim a letter from Prime Minister Theresa May was sent to then Portsmouth City Council Leader Councillor Donna Jones, confirming the deal was not being considered. But, Cllr Jones, who stepped down in May, claims the letter did not clearly state this.

Nothing was sent to Southampton or the Isle of Wight Council.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson added that, in August, Mr Berry wrote to the chief executive of Portsmouth City Council, David Williams, as well as Mr Morgan “making clear that the 2016 proposal was no longer on the table”. They said: “The government is committed to supporting the growth and prosperity of the Solent area, and is investing £182.92 million in the region as part of the three Local Growth Deal funding rounds awarded to the Solent Local Enterprise Partnerships. “This summer, Minister Berry held a roundtable discussion with Solent area leaders and chief executives, to discuss ways to harness the great opportunities in the area for the benefits of the local community. “In line with the manifesto commitment, the Government is developing a devolution framework to clarify what devolution means for different administrations to help all authorities operate in a common framework, and will provide local areas with clarity on how best to take forward their local growth ambitions over the coming months.” Neighbouring authorities have also expressed their annoyance at the demise of the plans. Councillor Keith House, Lib Dem leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, and Hampshire county councillor, said: “Only through handing powers back to local areas will we ever be able to join up jobs, housing, transport and health. “England has the most centralised decision-making in Europe. It’s a step backwards for government to pull the plug on devolution.” Cllr Mark Hook, Leader of Gosport Borough Council, added: “Devolution has the potential to bring real tangible benefits to the Solent region including Gosport and its residents. It’s disappointing that government has ended this process and Gosport Borough Council hasn’t even had a deal on the table to consider being part of and been denied the opportunity to deliver the economic boost our town deserves and needs.”