Majority of Hampshire Councils Unite Behind Plan for Local Government Reorganisation
11 councils across Hampshire have today submitted a joint business case to Government proposing the creation of four new unitary authorities for mainland Hampshire. The submission, titled “Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong”, sets out a vision for modern, sustainable local government that delivers better services while staying rooted in local communities.
The proposal is backed by an overwhelming majority of councils in Hampshire (Basingstoke and Deane, Eastleigh, Fareham, Hart, Havant, New Forest, Portsmouth*, Rushmoor, Southampton, Test Valley, and Winchester), representing more than three quarters of local authorities in the area.
The new structure would see four new councils formed, grouped around the major centres of Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester and Basingstoke. The Isle of Wight would stay its own island unitary authority, as it currently is. All three proposed options meet the Government’s criteria for reorganisation, with an average population size of 500,000, and financial analysis shows that all three options would deliver over £63 million in recurring annual savings, through streamlined services, reduced duplication, and more efficient governance.
The business case is informed by one of the largest public engagement exercises ever undertaken by local government in the region. More than 13,000 residents across Hampshire and Isle of Wight took part in the engagement, sharing their views on identity, service delivery, and what matters most to them in future council arrangements.
Cllr Paul Harvey, Leader of Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and speaking on behalf of the 11 councils jointly submitting the proposal, said:
“The business case we’re submitting today is the product of significant, collaborative work by councils who know their communities and want the best for them.
“It reflects our shared belief that services should be run by councils big enough to be sustainable but close enough to remain local. With consistent financial benefits, strong public backing, and a structure that fits how people actually live their lives, this proposal is the right choice for Hampshire.”
Speaking of Winchester City Council's submission, Council Leader Cllr Martin Tod, said:
"It makes sense to end the complexity of the current two-tier system – although this isn’t a process we’d have chosen or a timing we’d have chosen or the criteria we’d have chosen.
"Winchester City Council also stands alongside almost all the other councils in Hampshire in believing that – with the constraints set by government – it’s right to have four authorities on the mainland and to make sure the Isle of Wight continues to have its own council. This delivers councils close enough to deliver responsively and locally for our residents and big enough to protect and deliver the essential services we need.
"The only alternative to four mainland authorities that’s on the table, which merges the Winchester district – including our southern communities such as Denmead, Wickham, Southwick and Whiteley – in with Basingstoke and Aldershot, isn’t acceptable. I know the communities in the north don’t support it and it’s not right for us either.
"Our preferred option includes a mid-Hampshire council comprising Winchester and its neighbours in Test Valley and East Hampshire. We believe our proposals for the other three councils on the mainland also make sense – economically, practically and geographically – with all of them well-placed to better deliver services and give local communities a voice.
"After today, the process goes over to the government. They decide which options to consult on and they will decide what option to go ahead with. Throughout the process, we will continue to work with our colleagues in other councils to argue for the best possible way forward for our residents and for the residents of Hampshire as a whole.
"And it's important to remember that none of this will work unless the black hole in county finances gets sorted out. Their forecast deficit is bigger than any savings offered by any of the proposals being put forward including their own. That needs fixing before any reorganisation goes ahead."
The submission will now be considered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), who are expected to run a public consultation on the proposals later this year. You can read the proposal and supporting documents on our website.