Rushmoor Borough Council is one of 12 councils across Hampshire behind a joint proposal for local government reorganisation that would split the county into four mainland unitary councils, bringing decisions on critical services closer to residents in north Hampshire.
The government wants to replace the current system of councils - including Hampshire County Council, the 11 district and borough councils, Southampton and Portsmouth city councils and the Isle of Wight council - with new unitary councils, each covering a population of approximately 500,000, that would be responsible for all services in their areas.
In response to this, 12 of the 15 councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have worked together on a proposal for the government, called Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong, which they have published today (Wednesday 3 September).
In it, the councils propose the creation of four new unitary councils for mainland Hampshire to replace the existing 14 councils, with the Isle of Wight remaining an independent unitary council. This follows extensive consultation with residents living in each of these areas to gather feedback on the options which has helped inform the proposal.
Aldershot and Farnborough would be served by a new north Hampshire unitary authority, which would provide the services currently run by Hampshire County Council as well as Rushmoor, Hart and Basingstoke and Deane councils.
The proposed structure would allow the new councils to create redesigned public services, tailored for local need and empower communities by enabling residents to shape local decisions through proposed new neighbourhood area committees. The new structure is projected to save more than £60 million a year for taxpayers.
The new unitary councils would also be in a solid position to maximise the benefits of the government’s devolution arrangements that will see greater powers handed down to a new strategic authority for Hampshire and the Solent region, led by a directly-elected mayor.
Councillor Gareth Williams, Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, said: “Local government reorganisation gives councils a once-in-a-life opportunity to redesign our services so that they work effectively for our residents. Rather than the confusing county-district system that has existed for the last 50 years, we will have more services brought together, making it easier for residents to access all-round services and to understand who is accountable for them.”
The council’s overview and scrutiny committee is due to consider the proposals tomorrow (Thursday) evening before they go to Cabinet on Tuesday 16 September with a recommendation for adoption by the full council on Thursday 25 September. If approved, the proposals will then be submitted to the government on Friday 26 September.
Joint statement from the 12 councils
“Unlike other proposals, we believe our approach means the best of both worlds: councils that are big enough to deliver major services and be financially sustainable, but local enough to understand communities so they can tailor services more closely to their needs.
“This is a comprehensive and evidence-based proposal that offers a bold vision for the future of local government in our region, ensuring every voice is heard and every service delivers real value. Covering the population of around two million people in mainland Hampshire, four new unitary councils would provide the scale of efficiency the government wants whilst still being connected to the communities they serve.
“The Isle of Wight’s continued independence is essential, given its unique geography and infrastructure needs. However, the proposal ensures integration and collaboration where beneficial, enabling shared innovation and transformation across the region.”
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