Councillors in Havant have approved plans to create two new
parish councils within the borough.
The decision to establish civil parishes and associated
parish councils in Emsworth and Hayling Island follows
Community Governance Reviews (CGRs) conducted in both areas
by Havant Borough Council this year.
The CGRs took place in wo phases between January and March
2026, and May and July 2026.
Details
of the review rocess and consultation and engagement
findings can be found on our website.
Havant Borough Council was legally obliged to conduct the
CGRs as it received two valid petitions from residents to
review the existing community governance arrangements in
Emsworth and Hayling Island.
Both stages of the CGRs involved public consultations, and
the findings from these consultations were both presented to
members for them to consider before voting on whether to
proceed with the creation of parish councils in Emsworth
and/or Hayling Island, or to cease the CGR process and
maintain the current council structure.
At the full council meeting on Wednesday, 22 July, 2026,
members voted to create Emsworth Parish Council that will
comprise a single ward and will have 15 parish councillors.
They also voted to create Hayling Island Parish Council,
comprising a single ward and represented by 16 councillors.
Councillors also agreed to the establishment of a precept,
payable for the Council Tax year 2027-28, to support the
general parish administration and running of services.
Havant Borough Council officers will now begin work to
prepare and finalise the required Reorganisation Order to
implement the changes and establish the parish councils.
Councillor Philippa Gray, Cabinet Lead for Finance and
Resources, said: “The CGRs were carried out in both Emsworth
and Hayling Island because, under the Local Government and
Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, enough residents in
each area signed a petition requesting a review and
potential change.
“Members considered all the points raised in the
consultation process alongside wider evidence and
information, so that they could reach a decision based on
their own informed view, and vote for what they believe is
in the best interests of the community.
“Now we must start work to establish both Emsworth and
Hayling Island Parish Councils and ensure they are viable,
sustainable and will provide value for money for residents,
given they will be funding the parish councils through a
precept on their council tax.
“We will continue to engage and inform residents as the
plans develop so that they are ready to elect their new
parish councillors in May 2027.”
Havant Courough Council 23rd July
