East Hampshire District Council has reaffirmed that its priority remains delivering exemplary services for residents while the future of local government in Hampshire is decided.
While the Government has confirmed that proposals for local government reorganisation remain under consideration, there is still not enough clarity about what will happen next or what the eventual structure will look like.
Until those decisions are made, EHDC will continue to commit time and resources to the immediate challenges facing the council and its communities.
The council will remain focused on delivering vital services, supporting those residents who need it most, balancing its budget and ensuring East Hampshire continues to be well run.
EHDC previously submitted a proposal for three mainland unitary authorities and remains committed to this position.
Cllr Richard Millard, EHDC's Leader, said: “There is still a great deal we simply do not know about the future of local government in Hampshire.
“In that uncertainty, our responsibility is clear. We need to concentrate on the things we can control: providing excellent services, supporting our communities and particularly those residents who need us most, and maintaining a strong and sustainable council.
“We are not going to commit significant time and resources to lobbying around different possible outcomes when Government has yet to make its decisions.
“We will, of course, continue to represent East Hampshire’s interests and play a constructive role when there is something substantive to engage with. We believe that point will come once there is a clear process and timetable for Hampshire, and we look forward to the Government providing that clarity.
"But until we have greater clarity, our priority has to be the job we are here to do and that is to continue to deliver the very best services for our residents.
“Our residents rightly expect us to stay focused on them, and that is exactly what we will do.
"I am asking the Minister to commit to making a final decision by March 2027, prior to our local elections.
“It is time for clarity. We need to know what the future looks like so we can plan with confidence, support our staff and keep our focus where it belongs: on delivering for our residents.
“I hope the Minister listens and gives Hampshire the certainty it needs sooner rather than later.”