Cllr Millard lays out what should be top of Andy Burnham’s to-do list
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham may only just have moved in to Number 10, but according to EHDC Leader Cllr Richard Millard, his to-do list is already overflowing with issues affecting East Hampshire.
Rather than leave him guessing where to start, Cllr Millard has written to the Prime Minister setting out a few suggestions.
From housing targets and local plans, to business rates and local government reorganisation – EHDC and other local authorities are grappling with challenges that previous governments have failed address.
In a letter sent this week, Cllr Millard highlighted the most pressing tasks on Mr Burnham’s to-do list if he really wants to ‘rewire the nation’.
Read the letter to Andy Burnham
Andy’s East Hampshire in-tray
Rethink housing targets
East Hampshire’s housing numbers have effectively doubled since 2024. More than half of the district lies within the South Downs National Park (57%) yet the housing target does not reflect this.
EHDC has acknowledged the need for sustainable housing growth, especially affordable housing, but housing targets must recognise East Hampshire’s exceptional circumstances.
Give us guidance on local plans and LGR
There is uncertainty around the status of local plans ahead of local government reorganisation (LGR).
Preparing plans for councils that will cease to exist risks wasting money and time. We have called for guidance on how local plans can be prepared in the light of LGR, but, so far, none has been forthcoming.
Assurances on water availability
We are increasingly concerned about water infrastructure capacity in the north of the district. South East Water has made it clear that water resources across parts of East Hampshire are not expected to keep pace with planned growth. Existing residents are already concerned that more development will compromise their own water supply. We need the government to work with the water industry to provide clarity on capacity and provide the infrastructure required to allow for the development they demand.
Tougher powers for planning enforcement
Councils need more powers to tackle unauthorised development quickly and effectively. Lengthy legal procedures leave councils ill-equipped to deal with breaches of planning control. We have called for strengthened planning enforcement powers and greater support for councils undertaking this work. The new Prime Minister is now in a position to do this.
More support for local government reorganisation
We are working hard to deliver the government’s objectives for local government reorganisation. We understand that the option chosen differs from that recommended by officials, but what is particularly concerning is the fact that East Hampshire will be split between two new authorities. Separating services poses the risk of unintended impacts on vulnerable residents and operational and financial challenges for the council.
The unprecedented complexity of Hampshire’s reorganisation should be recognised with extra government support.
Bring forward business rates relief
We have already warned the government about the potentially crippling impact the three yearly rate revaluation will have on local businesses. Given the acute nature of the challenges faced by pubs and live music venues you must bring forward the 20% rate relief planned for 2026-27, in addition to the 15% already announced. A business rate reduction of 35% over the next three years will go some way to saving businesses from the brink.
We also fully support the current national campaign to reduce hospitality VAT from 20% to 10% and ask you to implement this change urgently to ensure the industry is taxed fairly and in line with Europe.
It's time to deliver
Cllr Millard said: “Successive governments have failed to deliver on these important issues for East Hampshire.
“Now Andy Burnham is in power he has the chance to change the record and make a real difference to our residents.
“He claims he will be more collaborative with local leaders as he strives to ‘rewire the nation’ - this is his chance to show us he is serious and give East Hampshire the support it needs to tackle these ongoing challenges.”