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.