There’s still time to help shape the future of local government across Hampshire and the Solent area – but the clock is ticking.
East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council are urging residents to take part in their survey on Local Government Reorganisation before it closes on Sunday 17 August 2025.
Central government wants to shake-up how councils are run across the country – to create fewer (all-purpose) unitary authorities that deliver all council services. Councils must submit their ideas to central Government this autumn on how they think things should work in their area. Government will then consult the public, before making its final decision on what councils will look like across Hampshire and the Solent area in the future.
So now’s the time to help us shape the idea we put to Government this September.
The proposal by East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council is to create four new councils – three on the mainland and one for the Isle of Wight – designed to bring services closer to communities, reflect how people live and work today, and protect local identity through strong local leadership.
Why it matters
It’s about more than council structures – it’s about people and places. It’s about making sure:
- local services work better for you and your family
- decisions about your community are shaped by local voices
- you can feel proud of where you live, and confident that your council is providing high-quality services, protecting the most vulnerable, keeping people safe, and improving your quality of life.
Cllr Richard Millard, Leader of East Hampshire District Council, said:“Thank you so much to everyone who has already given us their views.
“If you haven’t already completed the survey then there's still time to tell us what you think. You can give your views as an individual or you can provide thoughts from an organisation, a business or a club – so there is ample opportunity to provide your opinions. Your views will really help shape the final proposal we send to Government, so please take a few minutes to tell us what you think.
“We have a real opportunity to design a system that delivers even better public services, that are better value and that are easier for you to access – but we need you to tell us your thoughts.
"This is your chance to help us reinvent local government so it meets the needs of today - as well as for future generations.”
Cllr Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “The Government has made it clear that change is coming, but we believe that change should be shaped by the people who live and work here – not imposed by those who don’t know our area.
“Our proposal is based on solid evidence and real experience. Hampshire County Council already delivers 85% of local services in the area, to 1.4 million people. These are complex, life-changing services which we deliver every day. We take this responsibility seriously and we know what’s at risk if they’re not done right.
“Thank you to everyone who’s taken part in our survey so far, but if you haven’t yet, now’s the time. As part of our survey, you can also provide us with your thoughts for the names of the four potential new councils.
“This is your chance to help shape a simpler, stronger and more secure future for local government – one that ensures high quality, protects the services people rely on most, and puts local voices at the heart of decision-making. We don’t want this done to us. We want it done with us – and that starts with you.”
Feedback collected from the survey will help shape the final proposal that will first be considered by both East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council this autumn, before it’s submitted in September to central Government.