Hampshire County Council's Proposed Option for our New Council Structure

Excerpt from Hampshire County Council update:

"Hampshire County Council sets out proposed option for simpler, stronger local councils

Big changes could be coming to how local councils work across Hampshire and the Solent area – and we have now published an idea for how this could look in the future.

This follows the Government’s requirement for all areas like ours – where services are currently split between county and district councils – to move to a single-tier system by 2028. That means fewer councils, each responsible for all local services in their area.

What's being proposed?

The County Council, working with East Hampshire District Council, is recommending that the current 15 councils across the area be replaced with four new unitary councils:

• North: Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor, Winchester
• South-West: Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton, Test Valley
• South-East: Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth
• Isle of Wight: (unchanged)

Each new council would run all local services – from schools and social care to bin collections, roads, and planning.

Why this option?

This model has been put forward as a possible preferred option because it:

• Offers the best balance of simplicity, stability, and savings
• Builds on the strengths of existing councils
• Avoids unnecessary disruption to services
• Protects the identity of local communities
• Keeps vital services like education and care running smoothly
• Could save nearly £50 million each year

It also avoids the risks of creating brand-new councils from scratch, which would cost more and take longer to get up and running.

What happens next?

The proposal will be considered by the whole County Council on Thursday 17 July, and by Cabinet on Friday 18 July.

If approved, a public engagement period will run from later in July, giving everyone the chance to have their say. Your feedback will help shape our final proposal, which will be submitted to Government later this year.

Why your voice matters

This is a unique opportunity to reshape how local services are delivered, making them easier to access, more joined-up, and better value for money. It’s also about giving local people more say in decisions that affect their communities.

We’ll be sharing more information soon on how you can get involved and have your say. "

If you want to get involved and 'have your say' about this reorganisation go to:

Have Your Say Today - Our Place Our Future - Commonplace - closes Sunday 27th July