Hampshire County Council is reviewing four potential options for reorganising local government across Hampshire and the Solent region under Government plans to replace all existing councils with fewer unitary authorities by 2028.
The Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme requires all two-tier council areas nationwide to be replaced by single-tier unitary authorities delivering comprehensive services. The current 15 councils serving Hampshire and the Solent would be abolished by 2028, including Hampshire County Council, 11 district and borough councils, Southampton and Portsmouth unitary councils, and the Isle of Wight Council.
County Council Leader Cllr Nick Adams-King explained: “Government seeks a simpler, more efficient local government system delivering optimal outcomes for residents. We’re developing plans ensuring any new councils prioritise residents’ interests and financial stability whilst considering the extensive services the County Council provides.
“We deliver the majority of council services across Hampshire and the Solent, supporting people throughout their lives. These services are crucial for those most in need, so we must ensure they remain high-quality, resilient, and financially sustainable through robust unitary councils capable of meeting future challenges.”
Since submitting initial proposals jointly with local authority partners this spring, the council has analysed data and evidence, assessed various options, and gathered feedback from residents and key stakeholders including police, fire services, NHS, headteachers, and local government representatives.
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The Four Options Under Review
Option 1: Three councils covering North (Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, New Forest, Rushmoor, Test Valley, Winchester), South (Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, Southampton), and Isle of Wight.
Option 2: Four councils including North (Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor, Test Valley, Winchester), South-West (Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton), South-East (Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth), and Isle of Wight.
Option 3: Four councils with North (Basingstoke and Deane, East Hampshire, Hart, Rushmoor, Winchester), South-West (Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton, Test Valley), South-East (Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth), and Isle of Wight.
Option 4: Five councils comprising North-East (Basingstoke and Deane, Hart, Rushmoor), Central (Test Valley, Winchester, East Hampshire), South-West (Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton), South-East (Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth), and Isle of Wight.
Cllr Adams-King continued: “We’re collaborating with partners, particularly East Hampshire District Council, sharing data to ensure all options are comprehensive. However, we must present our findings and recommendations because we manage most council services and the largest budgets locally, providing unique experience to create a simpler, stronger, and secure model protecting vital services for vulnerable residents.”
East Hampshire District Council Leader Cllr Richard Millard stated: “Our evidence-based options development is progressing rapidly. We can now examine these four options in detail to determine which best meets central Government criteria. Following thorough analysis, we’ll propose a preferred option for councillors’ consideration.”
Cllr Adams-King concluded: “We’re evaluating each option against Government criteria and our agreed principles from March submissions. If councillors approve a single option in July, we’ll seek resident and stakeholder feedback this summer. These views will inform our final design for Hampshire and Solent area councils, submitted to Government this autumn alongside partners’ proposals. Government will review all submissions and conduct formal public consultation on their preferred option next year.”
