Gosport residents can have their say on the Government’s plan to reorganise councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and we’re calling on people to back decision-making staying local.

Plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) would see all local councils in the region, including Gosport Borough Council, replaced with newly formed and much larger councils by 2028. These new councils would have responsibility for delivering all council services to populations of around 500,000.

A survey asking for Gosport residents’ views is now live at: Have Your Say Today – Gosport survey – Our Place Our Future

It asks residents if they agree that decision-making for Gosport should stay within the borough, or if Gosport Borough Council should merge with other areas to form a new, larger council.

Gosport Borough Council Leader Cllr Peter Chegwyn said: We have said from the start that Gosport does not need council reorganisation and should be left alone. I firmly believe that decisions made about our borough should remain with local people who have been elected to represent the interests of our area and its residents, not by people living miles away.

“We’ve had no evidence from the Government showing any benefit in Local Government Reorganisation, yet councils will have to submit final proposals for change this September.

“So it’s really important that people in Gosport make their voices heard by completing this survey, so we can ensure local opinion is represented in any proposals.

The public engagement is open and runs until Sunday 27 July. The results will add to views being gathered across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and will help inform final options put forward to the Government.

People can complete the survey over the phone by calling 020 7845 5880.