Our Cabinet last night (20 March) agreed unanimously to support initial proposals to create new unitary councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as part of local government reorganisation.
The proposals form part of an interim plan that will be submitted to the government today (21 March) on behalf of all 15 councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The plan has been drawn up collectively in response to the government’s proposals to reform local government, which would see the creation of a regional strategic authority led by an elected mayor, and a number of new unitary councils in Hampshire.
The new unitary councils would bring together the day-to-day services currently provided by the county and district councils and replace existing councils, including Rushmoor Borough Council.
The interim plan sets out the principles which would guide the next stage when decisions would be made on the new council structures and boundaries, including economic geography and sense of place, identity and local connections.
One option being discussed is the creation of a new north Hampshire council that would cover Rushmoor, Hart and Basingstoke and Deane. The council believes this would support the guiding principles, particularly on sense of place and the area’s economy.
Councillor Gareth Williams, Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, said: “I believe that overall, these proposals will make local government more efficient and bring decision-making closer to our residents, which can only be a good thing.
“While there are a number of different options for how many unitary councils there could be in Hampshire, we are quite clear that, at this stage, the best option for our area would be a north Hampshire unitary council.
“We believe, however, that it is crucial that our residents, as well as local businesses and organisations, have the opportunity to give their views. Over the coming months and into the summer, we will be organising wide-ranging public engagement so that we can be confident we have heard what is important to them and can take into account these views.”
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