Hampshire County Council has today submitted an ambitious
and carefully-considered proposal to central Government,
setting out a new model for local government across
Hampshire and the Solent area that delivers better local
services and stronger communities
The plan, shaped by extensive engagement and robust
evidence, recommends the creation of four new unitary
(all-purpose) councils that provide simpler, stronger, more
connected, and more efficient services for residents and
their families. Government wants all parts of the country
with two tiers of local government to reorganise. Across
Hampshire and the Solent area, this would involve 15
councils being replaced by a smaller number of unitary
councils that deliver all services.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick
Adams-King, said: “This submission is the result of detailed
analysis, careful collaboration, and a steadfast commitment
to Hampshire’s future. We’ve listened to the diverse voices
from across our area, ensuring our proposal reflects the
insight and priorities of residents, partners, and local
organisations. By drawing on expert advice and broad
engagement, we are confident that the model we’ve set out
will keep vital services strong – like social care,
education, roads, planning and housing, empower local
decision-making, and provide a stable foundation to
transform and improve the way councils work for residents
through new opportunities for investment and economic growth
in local areas. Above all, our approach is about building a
resilient, forward-looking system of local government that
puts residents and their families first and secures the best
outcomes for our communities - today and for generations to
come.”
Councillor Richard Millard, Leader of East Hampshire
District Council, said: “Today marks a major step forward.
Our proposal for a four-unitary model is bold,
forward-thinking, and built on solid evidence. This plan
unlocks around £50 million in annual savings, safeguards our
most vulnerable residents, and lays the foundation for
economic growth and innovation.
“I care deeply that our communities are empowered, and this
proposal outlines how we will achieve that so that as well
as delivering vital services and stimulating growth, we will
also be able to ensure that the ‘little things’ that matter
to our residents don’t get lost. I’m proud to be putting
forward a credible, ambitious, evidence-led proposal and I’m
eager to hear the Government’s response.”
A well-evidenced solution, shaped by local people
This summer, the County Council listened to residents,
communities, public sector experts and organisations from
across the Hampshire and Solent area in a wide-ranging
engagement exercise. The feedback provided was invaluable,
ensuring that the voices of those who deliver and rely upon
local services are directly reflected in the County
Council’s final submission. Drawing on both community
insight and independent expert analysis, the proposal aims
to:
-
Keep the services that local people depend on safe,
strong, and sustainable for the future;
-
Put residents at the heart of local decisions and ensure
councils remain truly connected to their communities;
-
Deliver better value for money, with projected savings
of around £50 million a year to reinvest in local
priorities;
-
Build councils that are fit for the future and resilient
for generations to come.
What happens next?
The Government will now review the County Council’s four
unitary council proposal and launch a public consultation in
November before deciding in spring next year, the future
structure of local government across Hampshire, Portsmouth,
Southampton, and the Isle of Wight.
“The final choice rests with Government,” Councillor
Adams-King continued, “but rather than having these changes
imposed upon us, we have worked with our residents,
communities and stakeholders to ensure local voices are
heard in this. I’m really proud of the work that we have
done, and we have put forward a model to central Government
today that we truly believe will deliver the best results
for everyone across Hampshire and the Solent – and
especially our most vulnerable children and adults, who
depend on our vital help each and every day. This is a
once-in-a-generation chance to strengthen our local services
and future-proof our councils for the benefit of our
residents and their families.”
Read the County Council’s proposal for local government
reorganisation.
Hampshire County Council
26th September
