The government has launched its consultation on the final proposals for major changes to the way council services are provided in Hampshire.
Consultation on 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.
On Wednesday 19 November, it launched its consultation on the final proposals submitted by councils in Hampshire in September. This followed extensive engagement over the summer with residents, businesses and stakeholders.
The consultation covers 2 main proposals:
- Five unitary councils in Hampshire, 4 on the mainland, plus the Isle of Wight. This is supported by 11 of the councils in Hampshire, including us
- Four unitary councils in Hampshire, including the Isle of Wight. This is supported by Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council
The consultation is open until Sunday 11 January on the government's website.
Our proposals
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.
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 sets 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 north 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.
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. 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.
Timescale for proposal and change
Following the government's consultation, we anticipate it will announce its final decision early 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.
We are consulting on possible options until Friday 5 December. To find out more and take part, visit our Your community, your say page.
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