There are still a few weeks left for people to take part in central Government’s public consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Hampshire and the Solent area.
Central Government wants to simplify local government structures nationally by replacing the current two-tier system, where responsibilities are split between county councils and district or borough councils, with fewer, new single-tier unitary councils. These new councils would be responsible for all local services in their area, from education and social care to waste collection and planning.
In Hampshire and the Solent area, this change would affect 15 existing councils, including Hampshire County Council, 11 district and borough councils, and the unitary authorities of Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
East Hampshire District Council, in partnership with Hampshire County Council, submitted a proposal to Government in the autumn, recommending the creation of four new unitary councils:
- Mid-North unitary authority: Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor, Winchester
- West unitary authority: Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton, Test Valley
- South-East unitary authority: Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth
- Isle of Wight unitary authority: remaining as a standalone unitary council
East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council’s joint proposal is one option presented for consideration in the consultation. Other models by other local authorities in the area include options for five unitary councils.
Leader of East Hampshire District Council, Councillor Richard Millard, said: “This is your chance to have a say on the future of local councils and the services you rely on every day. If you haven’t already taken part, please do.
“This will be the biggest change to how local council services are delivered in 50 years.”
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “There’s still time to share your views on how local councils could be organised in the future. The Government’s consultation is open until 11 January 2026, and it’s important that as many people as possible take part, from all communities across Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight. This is your opportunity to help shape how local services are delivered across Hampshire and the Solent area for years to come. The new structure of councils across our area will be decided by central Government in the spring of next year, before the new councils are created in 2028.”
To provide your feedback to Government, by 11 January 2026, and to read all the proposals set out in the consultation please click on the button below:
A hard copy of the Government’s consultation document and the proposals are also available for view at each of the County Council’s 40 libraries.