We anticipate a decision from the government on the future of council services in Hampshire in March.
Proposals for new councils in Hampshire
The government wants to replace the current system of councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight with new unitary councils, each covering a population of approximately 500,000 that would be responsible for all services in their area.
In November, it launched a consultation on the final proposals submitted by councils in Hampshire in September. This followed extensive engagement over the summer with residents, businesses and stakeholders.
This consultation is now closed and we are waiting for a final decision from the government.
Our proposals
We were part of a group of 12 of the 15 councils in Hampshire, which worked closely together on options for this major reform of local government.
We published our joint proposal for the government, Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong, for local government reorganisation in September. This followed a vote by an extraordinary meeting of the council to do so.
This set out the case for 4 new unitary councils in Hampshire, replacing Hampshire Council, the 11 district and borough councils, and Portsmouth and Southampton city councils, with the Isle of Wight remaining an independent unitary council.
Under our proposals, Aldershot and Farnborough would be served by a new northern Hampshire unitary council, which would provide the services currently run in this area by Hampshire County Council as well as Rushmoor, Hart and Basingstoke and Deane councils.
Timescale for proposal and change
Following the government's consultation, we anticipate it will announce its final decision in spring 2026.
There would then be shadow elections in 2027, with the new councils formally coming into effect in April 2028.
In the meantime, we will continue to provide our services to you as normal.
Proposals for parish or town councils
Because any new unitary council would be bigger than Rushmoor, we have also considered what, if any, local arrangements could be put in place to make sure residents' voices are heard on local decisions.
At an extraordinary meeting of the council on 29 January, it was agreed not to pursue this option for the moment.
Contact us