Re-organisation of Local Government

You may already be aware of the Government’s long-term vision to simplify how councils are organised and run and who provides services, but if not we’ve provided a summary of the main points below, and how this will affect our area.

Devolution

• Creates strategic authorities which can provide strong leadership for their areas on issues including housing, highways and transport, economic growth, skills, environment and climate change, health and public safety.
• The proposed changes would create one large authority for the whole of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, led by an elected mayor.
• This would mean powers and funding would be transferred from national level, down to local government, giving greater control over important areas within the region.

Local Government Re-organisation

• Local government re-organisation will replace the current two-tier council system (District and County) with unitary authorities that operate most day-to-day services.
• These authorities will have population sizes of around 500,000 people or more.
• This makes it clearer to residents and businesses who is responsible for all local government services in an area and allows a more joined-up approach to service provision.

In response to Government plans, Hampshire Council are currently working with 11 other councils considering what would work best against the governments criteria.

A four unitary model for mainland Hampshire has been assessed as the best option. This is based on evidence assessed against financial, place and needs data.

The four new unitary councils would focus on the major urban economies of Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester and Basingstoke and the surrounding areas. The Isle of Wight Council, as an island unitary authority, would remain separate and unchanged.  View Hampshire’s Plans in Full.

Hart, Basingstoke & Deane and Rushmoor councils are developing a proposal for a unitary council to serve North Hampshire.

What will the benefits be?

• Easier for residents to get what they need as council services will be  provided by one organisation. This would build on shared service arrangements already in place in north Hampshire, including waste collection and street cleaning services.
• Can be more responsive to local needs and giving people a say in their area.
• Hart, Basingstoke & Deane and Rushmoor economies are closely connected and home to key industries including high-tech, aerospace and financial services.
• Will provide the scale and financial stability the Government is looking for by maximising scale in delivering services and reducing overhead costs.

Photo Credit: Hart District Council

⬇️ 16 December 2024: Government published the English Devolution White Paper which proposed creating new Mayoral Combined Authorities alongside local government reorganisation.

⬇️ 10 January 2025: Submission date for expression of interest by upper tier authorities to join the priority devolution programme.

⬇️ 6 February 2025: Government issues a formal invitation to Hampshire authorities to submit proposals as part of the priority programme.

⬇️ 17 February-13 April 2025: Consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on Hampshire and the Solent devolution.

⬇️ 20 March 2025: Hart Council approve Hampshire-wide interim plan.

⬇️ 21 March 2025: Local authorities across Hampshire submit proposals showing how they will work together as part of local government reorganisation.

⬇️ 7 May 2025: Feedback from Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on interim proposals for Hampshire. Councils proceed with putting together their final proposals.

⬇️ 30 June to 17 August 2025: Public surveys and engagement activities to seek views across Hampshire.

⬇️ 25 September 2025: Areas to submit their final reorganisation proposals to Government on local government reorganisation.

⬇️ End of 2025 to early 2026: Ministers will consider proposals for the new unitary authorities.

⬇️ 2026: Mayoral elections and creation of strategic authority for Hampshire and the Solent.

⬇️ 2027: Elections for a new unitary shadow authority.

⬇️ 2028: New unitary councils go live.