Hampshire County Council: Have your say on reorganisation

Under Government plans to simplify local government nationwide, Hampshire could move from its current two-tier model to a system of single-tier unitary authorities.

The proposals would see 15 councils, including Hampshire County Council and its 11 district and borough councils, replaced with a smaller number of unitary authorities, each responsible for all local services including education, social care, waste collection, and planning.

Currently, responsibilities are split between county councils and district or borough councils, often leading to confusion and duplication.

Proposed new councils in Hampshire (Image: Hampshire County Council)

Councillor Nick Adams-King, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: "This is one of the most important decisions about local government in our area for a generation.

"Government's aim for LGR is to make sure services work better for people; are easier to access, more joined-up, continue to protect the most vulnerable across our communities, and are financially secure for the future."

The changes would impact 15 councils in the region, including the county council itself, the district and borough councils, and the unitary authorities covering Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight.

In response to the Government’s consultation, Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council have jointly submitted a proposal for the creation of four new unitary authorities.

Under their plan, a Mid-North authority would cover Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor, and Winchester; a West authority would include Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton, and Test Valley; and a South-East authority would comprise Fareham, Gosport, Havant, and Portsmouth.

The Isle of Wight would remain as a standalone unitary council.

Other options, including the creation of five unitary authorities, have also been put forward by other local authorities in the area and are included in the consultation.

Councillor Richard Millard, leader of East Hampshire District Council, said: "This consultation is your opportunity to have your say about how local councils will operate across Hampshire for years to come.

"We all rely on council services, from emptying our bins to protecting our most vulnerable, so whether you're a resident, an employee, a business owner, part of a community group or sports club, or involved in a volunteer organisation please take the time to tell the Government what you think."

The Government is seeking public feedback on the proposals as part of its wider consultation, which runs until January 11, 2026.

Residents can find out more about the plans and submit their views online through the Government’s consultation portal.

A hard copy of the consultation document and all proposals will also be available for review at each of the county council’s 40 libraries.

The final decision on the new structure of local government in Hampshire will rest with the Government, which is expected to make a decision in the spring of next year.

If approved, the new councils would come into effect in 2028.

The move is part of a broader national effort to streamline local government, reduce costs, and improve service delivery by eliminating the current split between county and district or borough councils.

Councils across England have argued that a single-tier system would be simpler for residents to navigate and more efficient to operate.

However, some concerns remain about the potential loss of local identity and the challenges of merging existing council structures.

The consultation period offers residents, businesses, and community groups the opportunity to voice their opinions and help shape the future of local government in Hampshire.

Feedback gathered during the consultation will inform the Government’s final decision on whether to proceed with the proposed changes and, if so, which model to adopt.