Local Government Reorganisation

Hampshire County Council (HCC) is inviting the public and other stakeholders to have their say on a proposal for how councils could be reorganised across the Hampshire and Solent area. Central Government’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) agenda requires councils across the country to develop proposals for how local government could be reorganised to become simpler, more efficient, and easier for residents to access.

In response, Hampshire County Council, working in partnership with East Hampshire District Council, has developed a model that would see the current 15 councils in the area replaced by four new unitary councils – three on the mainland and one for the Isle of Wight.

HCC advise the idea is rooted in detailed analysis, public and voluntary sector insight, as well as community, business and resident feedback, and aims to deliver a model that is fair, financially sustainable, and built to last. It would save around £50 million a year, protect essential services, and give local people a strong voice in how their communities are run.

The public engagement period runs until Sunday 17 August 2025, and HCC are encouraging residents, businesses, stakeholders and organisations across the area to share their views. You can find full details of the proposals and the engagement survey at www.hants.gov.uk/lgr