The top four councils in Hampshire - including Southampton - have together submitted an expression of interest in a devolution deal that could pave the way for a regional mayor.
The move was revealed by Hampshire County Council, Nick Adams-King, in a post on social media.
New bodies could be created to provide oversight and management powers, as well as funding, transferred from national to local government.
The bid involves Southampton City Council, Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, and Portsmouth City Council.
Cllr Adams-King, has said the proposed move would likely see the creation of a ‘Combined Authority’ overseen by a mayor.
He said this would mean “decisions are made closer to the local people, communities and businesses they affect.”
Informing followers on LinkedIn at the weekend, he said: “The exact governance and detail of the deal is as yet to be decided, however the first step has been taken on what will be a very long journey.
“Earlier this week I met with the leaders of Hampshire's 11 district, borough and city councils and with the leadership of Southampton and Portsmouth.
“We agreed collectively to take our conversations forward, to collate the questions we have of government and ensure that all parts of the area are consulted as we take these conversations forward.”
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He added: “For me it is imperative that any devolution deal offers us assistance in helping the most deprived areas of both the major cities, the Isle of Wight and those areas of deprivation situated in our towns and countryside.
“By tackling those inequalities, we can improve growth, prosperity and outcomes for all of our residents.”
A devolution deal EOI submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, said: “Elected leaders have held productive meetings and are keen to take advice from government on the potential opportunities for this region in order to make the case for regional political agreement.”
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