Citizens' Assembly South

The outcome of the Scottish independence referendum raised big questions about how we are governed in England.
With Greater London adopting new powers, residents in and around Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight (the Solent) are wondering if similar changes could revitalise our region. Some residents believe that shifting more power to the local level will deliver public services more effectively and use public funds more efficiently. Others are concerned about adding extra layers of administration.
The Solent has been amongst the national leaders in the pursuit of new deals between local authorities and Westminster. However, shifting new political power to the region must be in a form that is supported by the people who live here.
“Our citizens’ assemblies will put the voice of local people at the forefront of debates about how we are governed. This represents is an important opportunity for people to shape the debates about the future of the Sheffield and Solent regions”
Professor Will Jennings
Academics from the University of Southampton are part of a team of leading international researchers who are interested to discover what power to the people might mean for England. Through two pilot assemblies, they want to give people more say about the decisions that affect them and give them a meaningful role in changing how politicians make decisions. This will be an important opportunity to shape the future of the Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight region.
These two pilot assemblies will be held in Southampton on 24-25 October and 14-15 November, and while places for participants are limited, all members of the public are invited to contribute to the process through the ‘Make a submission’ link on this page.
Materials and further information will be made available throughout the process, while findings, press releases and briefings will be released via the About page.