THE debate on devolved powers in Hampshire has taken another twist, after the leader of Hampshire Country Council proposed a new ‘super council’.

The plans put forward by Cllr Roy Perry came at the eleventh hour despite six district councils – including Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council – putting its own proposal to the Government.

As reported in The Gazette last week BDBC has drawn up a draft plan to join Hart, Rushmoor, New Forest, Test Valley and Winchester City council’s to form a ‘Heart of Hampshire’ combined authority.

Covering a population of 1.3 million people, this ‘super council’ would abolish 11 district councils, including Basingstoke, prompting fears over the way services are delivered.

The proposed plan was discussed at a cabinet meeting on Monday, where council leader, Cllr Clive Sanders said the borough is already plugging gaps in services which HCC is responsible for.

Cllr Sanders said: “We agree that it is always possible to save money. If doing this is the main driver for change then the simplest way to save the money is to do away with Hampshire County Council.

“They have the greatest concentration of highly paid officers and councillors, and already duplicate work done by districts but without real local knowledge.”

During the debate, leader of the Labour group, Cllr Paul Harvey said that the county council’s proposal is an ‘aggressive takeover bid’ of all the districts.

Cllr Harvey said: “A single all-encompassing unitary council stretching from New Milton to Aldershot, Petersfield to Andover, Basingstoke to Gosport is undemocratic and utterly unrealistic.”

If the plan goes ahead 478 councillors would be replaced by a maximum of 100 councillors debating issues in the new ‘super council’.

Cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, Cllr Mark Ruffell added: “County Council should reconsider where it’s going, kicking the 11 district and borough council’s out of bed when they are likely to walk off with the duvet and reveal all.”

Cabinet recommended that an updated ‘Heart of Hampshire’ proposal should be discussed at the full council meeting held on May 26.