East Hampshire District Council has today published its final proposal for the future shape of local government across Hampshire and the Solent area
The recommendation is to create four new unitary councils - three on the Hampshire and Solent mainland and one on the Isle of Wight. It will be considered by our Full Council on Thursday 25 September before a final Cabinet decision on 26 September.
(You can see the proposal in Item 11 of the agenda for next week's Council meeting below.)
See our proposal for Local Government reform
The change is part of a national move by Government to replace two-tier local government structures (i.e. county councils and district/borough councils) with fewer unitary (all-purpose) councils that deliver all local government services. It would see 15 councils replaced across the Hampshire and Solent area; Hampshire County Council, 11 district/borough councils and the three unitary councils of Southampton, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight.
Our proposal, developed in partnership with Hampshire County Council, aims to deliver simpler, stronger and more secure local councils for the future: providing the best possible value, greater local accountability and reliable services for residents and their families for generations to come. What’s more, the plan promises to unlock fresh opportunities for innovation and growth, to make councils stronger and ready to bring about real, positive changes across communities, that people will actually see and feel in their everyday lives.
The needs and aspirations of local people lie at the heart of the new four-council design, aiming to create councils that are truly responsive, efficient, financially stable and focused on what matters most to people across the county.
The proposal builds from a strong foundation, backed by expert advice, extensive engagement with communities and trusted organisations, and provides a smooth transition to a new model of local government with real benefits for people. Four unitary councils are the right fit - big enough to deliver strong services but focused enough to stay connected to local communities. It’s the safest and most effective way to manage change and unlock long-term improvements.
Cllr Richard Millard, Leader of East Hampshire District Council, said: “Our proposal offers a bold and forward-thinking model for local government - one that’s simpler, stronger and more secure.
“By creating four new unitary councils - three on the Hampshire and Solent mainland and one on the Isle of Wight - we can deliver better value for money, strengthen local leadership and bring services closer to the communities they serve.
“With around £50 million in annual savings, we’ll be able to protect frontline services for the most vulnerable, ensure long-term financial sustainability and unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
“Most importantly, this model puts local identity and community voice at its heart, with transformation ready to begin from day one.”
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “Our plan is built on solid evidence and what people have told us matters most: reliable services, value for money, and decisions made close to home. It protects what works well, improves where needed, and creates real savings that can be reinvested in our communities - ensuring that every pound goes further for residents. It even offers a way to actively foster new opportunities that drive progress and deliver long-term benefits for everyone.
“We’ve done our research, listened to the experts, and built a plan that gets it right. One that’s sound, achievable, and focused on protecting the services people rely on every day.
“Residents can trust that our proposal would deliver a reorganisation that puts them first, rather than pursuing risky change for its own sake. In our plan residents remain at the heart of decision-making, neighbourhoods are empowered to shape great outcomes for their local area, and the savings delivered from change are real, lasting, and reinvested where they are most needed. No other option offers the same level of stability, value, or responsiveness to local needs, as well as exciting opportunities to build a better future for everyone.”
Next steps
The recommendation to submit our proposal and business case to central Government will be debated by the Full Council before being considered by its Cabinet.
If approved, East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council will submit it to central Government on 26 September. Other councils across the area will also submit their own ideas for change.
Central Government will then decide on which local government model(s) to consult the public later this year, before making their final decision in 2026.
For more information on LGR visit www.easthants.gov.uk/lgr
Findings from this summer’s public and stakeholder engagement are available on the button below