Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, has hailed the publication of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill as “a once-in-a-generation shift in power that will bring real benefits to Portsmouth’s communities, high streets and local economy.”
The Bill delivers the biggest transfer of power from Westminster to England’s regions and neighbourhoods in a century, giving local people a greater say over the issues that shape their daily lives from transport to housing, from local growth to protecting cherished community spaces.
Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North said: “For too long, decisions about Portsmouth have been taken by people who don’t live here and don’t understand our challenges or potential. This Bill changes that. It puts power back where it belongs into the hands of communities and local leaders who know our city best.”
What the reforms mean for Portsmouth:
- Protecting our pubs, shops and sports grounds: Residents will gain a new Community Right to Buy, making it easier to save loved local assets from pubs and music venues to playing fields before they disappear for good. Amanda said this will be “a lifeline for treasured places that knit our city together.”
- Stronger high streets and support for small businesses: The Bill bans “upward-only” commercial rent review clauses, which force rents to rise even when market conditions worsen. This change will help small businesses and community groups secure affordable premises in areas like North End, Cosham and Drayton, tackling empty units and reviving local high streets.
- More say for local neighbourhoods: New neighbourhood governance will give residents a bigger voice in shaping planning, services and local priorities. “People in Portsmouth know exactly what their area needs this Bill finally gives them the tools and influence to make it happen,” Amanda added.
- Powers that support growth across our region: New strategic powers for mayors and combined authorities including those coming through the Hampshire & Solent devolution proposals will help drive long-term regional growth, unlock investment and get more money into people’s pockets. Local Growth Plans will be tailored to each area’s strengths, helping Portsmouth boost innovation, maritime jobs and clean-energy industries.
- Better transport, housing and public services: New flexible powers over planning, development, transport and licensing will mean faster decisions, less red tape, and services shaped around local need not Whitehall diktat.
- Ending Westminster hoarding power: This Bill marks a break with the past, after years of competitive bidding pots that forced councils to compete against each other for scraps.
Amanda Martin MP added: “Portsmouth has massive potential, but for years we’ve been held back by a system that hoarded power in London and starved local areas of the tools to thrive. Today is the start of a new chapter, one where Portsmouth leads the way in shaping its own future.”
“From making neighbourhood voices stronger to ensuring local money stays in the local economy, the Bill sets the foundation for efficient, accountable and locally driven governance.
“This is what real ‘taking back control’ looks like communities, not Westminster, in the driving seat. I’m determined to make sure Portsmouth North is one of the biggest winners from this era of renewal and regional pride.”
