Consultation on Local Gov Re-organistaion

Have your say on the future of Hampshire and the Solent

Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - Citizen Space

The Government has now launched its public consultation on the future of local government across Hampshire and the Solent area as part of national plans for local government reorganisation, aiming to shape the area’s prosperity, public services, and community wellbeing for decades to come.

Our Simpler, Stronger, Secure proposal recommends the creation of four new unitary authorities (three on the Hampshire mainland and a separate authority for the Isle of Wight).

This model stands apart from the alternatives being put forward by other district and unitary councils, and HCC's evidence shows that it is the only option that delivers the scale, stability, protection and ambition that our area needs.

Our Simpler, Stronger, Secure proposal

• Delivers nearly £50 million in annual savings, with the lowest implementation cost and a rapid payback. HCC's analysis shows that a five-unitary model is not financially sustainable. It does not pay back, making the financial justification highly risky and likely to increase overall system costs.
• It is built on robust evidence and detailed modelling.
• It safeguards vital services, especially social care for children and adults who are most in need, by retaining established networks and minimising disruption to vulnerable residents.
• It unlocks economic growth, investment, and opportunity for every part of Hampshire and the Solent area.
• It avoids the risks and fragmentation of alternative models. For instance, HCC's analysis shows that a five-unitary model would undermine service delivery, resident safety and wellbeing, financial sustainability, and community cohesion.

At the heart of HCC's proposal is a commitment to empowering communities and respecting local identities. Simpler, Stronger, Secure provides a financially sustainable foundation for long-term investment in community health, wellbeing, and empowerment. By placing residents at the centre of decision-making, HCC's proposal would ensure that local voices shape strategic choices and strengthen participation, engagement, and neighbourhood pride.

The Government’s consultation runs until 11 January 2026. Details of how to take part can be found on the consultation webpages.

Other proposals set out within the consultation

In their survey, the Government is asking people to provide feedback on all the options that have been put forward to them for reorganising the current 15 councils spanning the Hampshire and Solent area. These include Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council’s proposal for four new unitary councils, as well as three proposals for five new unitary councils, submitted by some of the other district and unitary councils in the area.

Details of all the proposals featured within Government’s consultation can be found on the Government’s webpages.