Major changes are being proposed to the way local services will be provided in the future.
Joint proposal 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.
We are part of a group of 12 of the 15 councils in Hampshire, which has been working closely together on options for this major reform of local government.
On Wednesday 3 September, we published our joint proposal for the government, Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong, for local government reorganisation in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Details of the proposal
The joint proposal sets out the case for the creation of four new unitary councils for mainland Hampshire, replacing Hampshire County Council, the 11 district and borough councils, and Portsmouth and Southampton city councils, with the Isle of Wight remaining an independent unitary council.
This follows extensive consultation with residents, partners and local businesses over the summer, to gather feedback on the options, which has helped inform the proposal.
Under the proposed new arrangements, Aldershot and Farnborough would be served by a new north Hampshire unitary council, which would provide the services currently run by Hampshire County Council as well as Rushmoor, Hart and Basingstoke and Deane councils.
We believe the new structure would allow the new unitary councils to create redesigned public services, tailored for local need, and empower communities by enabling residents to shape local decisions.
The new structure is projected to save more than £60 million a year for taxpayers. It would also put the unitary councils in a solid position to maximise the benefits of the government's devolution plans that would see greater powers handed down to a new mayor-led strategic authority for Hampshire and the Solent region.
Our leader explains the joint proposal
In this video, our leader, Councillor Gareth Williams, explains the case for change proposal and why he believes it will improve local services for residents.
You can also read more in our news release on the case for change.
Timescale for proposal and change
Our overview and scrutiny committee is due to consider the proposal on Thursday 4 September. Our Cabinet will then consider the proposal on Tuesday 16 September and make a recommendation for adoption to the council on Thursday 25 September.
If adopted, we will submit the proposal to the government on Friday 26 September.
We anticipate the government will consult on the options it wants to consider later this year and announce its final decision next year. 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 are also considering what, if any, local arrangements could be put in place to make sure residents' voices are heard on local decisions.
This could be new parish councils, town councils or something called neighbourhood area committees. We could also choose to do nothing.
Our survey on this is open until 12 September and we would welcome your views.
Contact us